bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of a Multivariable Model to Predict Suicide Attempt in a Mental Health Intake Sample
Authors: Papini Santiago , Hsin Honor , Kipnis Patricia , Liu Vincent X. , Lu Yun , Girard Kristine , Sterling Stacy A. , Iturralde Esti M.
Published: March 2024

Importance

Given that suicide rates have been increasing over the past decade and the demand for mental health care is at an all-time high, targeted prevention efforts are needed to identify individuals seeking to initiate mental health outpatient services who are at high risk for suicide. Suicide prediction models have been developed using outpatient mental health encounters, but their performance among intake appointments has not been directly examined.

Objective

To assess the performance of a predictive model of suicide attempts among individuals seeking to initiate an episode of outpatient mental health care.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prognostic study tested the performance of a previously developed machine learning model designed to predict suicide attempts within 90 days of any mental health outpatient visit. All mental health intake appointments scheduled between January 1, 2012, and April 1, 2022, at Kaiser Permanente Northern California, a large integrated health care delivery system serving over 4.5 million patients, were included. Data were extracted and analyzed from August 9, 2022, to July 31, 2023.

Main Outcome and Measures

Suicide attempts (including completed suicides) within 90 days of the appointment, determined by diagnostic codes and government databases. All predictors were extracted from electronic health records.

Results

The study included 1 623 232 scheduled appointments from 835 616 unique patients. There were 2800 scheduled appointments (0.17%) followed by a suicide attempt within 90 days. The mean (SD) age across appointments was 39.7 (15.8) years, and most appointments were for women (1 103 184 [68.0%]). The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.76-0.78), an area under the precision-recall curve of 0.02 (95% CI, 0.02-0.02), an expected calibration error of 0.0012 (95% CI, 0.0011-0.0013), and sensitivities of 37.2% (95% CI, 35.5%-38.9%) and 18.8% (95% CI, 17.3%-20.2%) at specificities of 95% and 99%, respectively. The 10% of appointments at the highest risk level accounted for 48.8% (95% CI, 47.0%-50.6%) of the appointments followed by a suicide attempt.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this prognostic study involving mental health intakes, a previously developed machine learning model of suicide attempts showed good overall classification performance. Implementation research is needed to determine appropriate thresholds and interventions for applying the model in an intake setting to target high-risk cases in a manner that is acceptable to patients and clinicians.
The one‐carbon metabolic enzyme MTHFD2 promotes resection and homologous recombination after ionizing radiation
Authors: Marttila Petra , Bonagas Nadilly , Chalkiadaki Christina , Stigsdotter Hannah , Schelzig Korbinian , Shen Jianyu , Farhat Crystal M. , Hondema Amber , Albers Julian , Wiita Elisée , Rasti Azita , Warpman Berglund Ulrika , Slipicevic Ana , Mortusewicz Oliver , Helleday Thomas
Published: March 2024

The one‐carbon metabolism enzyme bifunctional methylenetetrahydrofolate dehydrogenase/cyclohydrolase 2 (MTHFD2) is among the most overexpressed proteins across tumors and is widely recognized as a promising anticancer target. While MTHFD2 is mainly described as a mitochondrial protein, a new nuclear function is emerging. Here, we observe that nuclear MTHFD2 protein levels and association with chromatin increase following ionizing radiation (IR) in an ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)‐ and DNA‐dependent protein kinase (DNA‐PK)‐dependent manner. Furthermore, repair of IR‐induced DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) is delayed upon MTHFD2 knockdown, suggesting a role for MTHFD2 in DSB repair. In support of this, we observe impaired recruitment of replication protein A (RPA), reduced resection, decreased IR‐induced DNA repair protein RAD51 homolog 1 (RAD51) levels and impaired homologous recombination (HR) activity in MTHFD2‐depleted cells following IR. In conclusion, we identify a key role for MTHFD2 in HR repair and describe an interdependency between MTHFD2 and HR proficiency that could potentially be exploited for cancer therapy.
50‐nm Gas‐Filled Protein Nanostructures to Enable the Access of Lymphatic Cells by Ultrasound Technologies
Authors: Shen Qionghua , Li Zongru , Wang Yixian , Meyer Matthew D. , De Guzman Marc T. , Lim Janie C. , Xiao Han , Bouchard Richard R. , Lu George J.
Published: March 2024

Ultrasound imaging and ultrasound‐mediated gene and drug delivery are rapidly advancing diagnostic and therapeutic methods; however, their use is often limited by the need for microbubbles, which cannot transverse many biological barriers due to their large size. Here, the authors introduce 50‐nm gas‐filled protein nanostructures derived from genetically engineered gas vesicles(GVs) that are referred to as 50 nmGVs. These diamond‐shaped nanostructures have hydrodynamic diameters smaller than commercially available 50‐nm gold nanoparticles and are, to the authors’ knowledge, the smallest stable, free‐floating bubbles made to date. 50 nmGVs can be produced in bacteria, purified through centrifugation, and remain stable for months. Interstitially injected 50 nmGVs can extravasate into lymphatic tissues and gain access to critical immune cell populations, and electron microscopy images of lymph node tissues reveal their subcellular location in antigen‐presenting cells adjacent to lymphocytes. The authors anticipate that 50 nmGVs can substantially broaden the range of cells accessible to current ultrasound technologies and may generate applications beyond biomedicine as ultrasmall stable gas‐filled nanomaterials.
Spacer Conformation Induced Multiple Hydrogen Bonds in 2D Perovskite toward Highly Efficient Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Dong Kailian , Yang Xiangfeng , Yao Fang , Cong Hengjiang , Zhou Hai , Zhou Shun , Cui Hongsen , Wang Shuxin , Tao Chen , Sun Chengliang , Fu Huahua , Ke Weijun , Fang Guojia
Published: March 2024

Two‐dimensional (2D) Dion–Jacobson (DJ) perovskites typically outperform Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) analogs in terms of photodetection (PD). However, the mechanism behind this enhanced performance remains elusive. Theoretical calculations for elucidating interlayer spacer conformation‐induced multiple hydrogen bonds in 2D perovskite are presented, along with the synthesis of DPAPbBr4 (DPB) single crystals (SCs) and their PD properties under X‐ray/ultraviolet (UV) excitation. The high‐quality DPB SC enhances PD with exceptional photoresponse attributes, including a high on/off ratio (4.89 × 104), high responsivity (2.44 A W⁻1), along with large dynamic linear range (154 dB) and low detection limit (7.1 nW cm⁻2), which are currently the best results among 2D perovskite SC detectors, respectively. Importantly, high‐resolution images are obtained under UV illumination with weak light levels. The SC X‐ray detector exhibits a high sensitivity of 663 µC Gyair⁻1 cm–2 at 10 V and a detection limit of 1.44 µGyair s⁻1. This study explores 2D DJ perovskites for efficient and innovative optoelectronic applications.
Anti‐Reflective Graded‐Index Metasurface with Correlated Disorder for Light Management in Planar Silicon Solar Cells
Authors: Dhawan Prerak , Gaudig Maria , Sprafke Alexander , Piechulla Peter , Wehrspohn Ralf B. , Rockstuhl Carsten
Published: March 2024

Recently, many research efforts have been dedicated to improving light coupling into solar cells and reducing optical losses. Promising candidates regarding scalability include direct nano‐structuring of the absorber layer, anti‐reflective (AR) coatings, or combining both, e.g., pyramidal textures with a conformal coating. However, many of these methods are either insufficient or infeasible for application in thin solar cells. Moreover, approaches based on directly texturing the silicon interface simultaneously strongly increase surface recombination, thus degrading the electronic properties of the solar cell. To circumvent these issues, conformal graded‐index metasurfaces with a correlated positional disorder for light trapping in solar cells are proposed and experimentally demonstrated in this contribution. When considered as a part of a prototypical solar cell geometry, a broadband reduction in reflection is observed that results in photocurrent enhancement. The combined consideration of disorder and conformal graded‐index layers outperforms structures containing only one of these components. The computational guidance toward optimized designs promises to adjust the framework to other settings. The possibility for large‐scale fabrication of the samples paves the way toward a future generation of supporting photonic structures in solar cells.
Sterically Wrapped Oxygen‐Bridged Boron Derivatives for High‐Performance Blue Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Wang Han‐Yang , Xie Feng‐Ming , Li Hao‐Ze , Zhang Kai , Zhu Yuan‐Ye , Shi Hao‐Nan , Li Yan‐Qing , Tang Jian‐Xin
Published: March 2024

Near ultraviolet (NUV) organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) have great advantages in the field of light excitation sources, chemical and biological sensors, etc. However, the molecular design of NUV emitters still faces the challenges of spectral broadening and red‐shift. In this study, attaching weak oxygen‐bridged triarylboron acceptor to weak carbazolyl donor is able to address intractable problems by weakening donor–acceptor (D–A) charge transfer. Simultaneously, sterically wrapped and modified oxygen‐bridged triarylboron acceptor by bulk substituents (multiple carbazolyl) can suppress intermolecular π–π stacking through steric hindrance effect. These design strategies are able to obtain short‐wavelength, narrow‐band emission, and great color purity. As a result, carbazolyl derivatives xCz‐BO‐based (x = 2, 3, 4, 5) emitters show EL emission peaks from 406 to 422 nm in the NUV light region and small full‐width at half‐maximums (FWHMs) of 32–41 nm over a wide range of dopant concentrations (10–40 wt.%). The most violet Commission International de I'Eclairage (CIE) color coordinate is (0.16, 0.03). Moreover, 5Cz‐BO can be employed as host for vacuum‐/solution‐processed blue OLEDs and these devices exhibit high performance with EQEs of over 20%.
Mini Light‐Emitting Diode Technology with High Quantum Efficient NIR‐II Partially Inverse Spinel MgGa2O4:Cr3+,Ni2+ Nanophosphors
Authors: Satpathy Aishwarya , Huang Wen‐Tse , Liu Tzu‐Hsuan , Su Ting‐Yi , Zhang Wei , Kamiński Mikołaj , Grzegorczyk Maciej , Chen Jia‐Hao , Cherng Ding‐Hua , Lu Kuang‐Mao , Chen Xueyuan , Mahlik Sebastian , Liu Ru‐Shi
Published: March 2024

The increasing demand for second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) region materials, which retain the advantage of minimal scattering and immense applications in the medical and NIR spectroscopy field, has led to considerable research in this region. A mini light‐emitting diode (mini‐LED) is essential for backlighting liquid crystal displays, indicating the need for the small size of phosphors. However, current market phosphors must be more significant to be a viable option for mini‐LEDs. This scenario necessitates the synthesis of small‐sized phosphors to be used in mini‐LEDs. In this work, a mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) and incorporated the Mg1−yGa2−xO4:xCr3+,yNi2+ system is fabricated. The structural investigation confirmed the single phase of MgGa2O4 with a pore size of 2.73 nm for the MSN. The results showed a steady NIR‐II signal at 1270 nm and an enhanced energy transfer with a high quantum yield of 79.2% for a nanophosphor. The mini‐LED package revealed a 1000–1600 nm signal, qualifying the nanophosphor for realistic applications. This work can make provisions for various NIR‐II nanophosphors in the LED industry.
Pressure‐Induced Symmetry Breaking Enables Retainable Upconversion Photoluminescence Enhancement in Lanthanide Oxyfluoride
Authors: Wen Ting , Wang Yiming , Peng Shang , Liu Xuqiang , Cheng Haoming , Liu Ke , Ma Yingying , Li Chen , Yang Wenge , Wang Yonggang
Published: March 2024

Pressure‐induced performance enhancement of a given material is an emerging phenomenon, however, among the various known examples very few enhanced properties can retain to ambient conditions. Both new structural mechanism and new material systems are the key challenge to achieve recoverable properties via pressure treatment. Herein, an “Er‐rich” erbium oxyfluoride ErOF is reported with retainable enhanced upconversion (UC) emission by high pressure treatment. The UC emission increases to more than twice the intensity of its pristine state, and followed by additional improvement to 5.1‐fold increase by heat treatment at 100 °C. The site symmetry breaking of Er3+ ions along with the crystal phase transition from Rm to Pnma, revealed by X‐ray diffraction, is believed to be the underlying reasons for the enhanced UC emission after release. Further, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) study reveals that the defects relieved with heat treatment might account for the UC emission enhancement in the released sample. Time‐resolved spectra and I‐P curves are measured comparatively to further illustrate the intrinsic mechanism of UC processes. The findings open up a window to advance UC performance through structure optimization by pressure engineering, thus facilitating its potential applications under ambient conditions.
Efficient OLEDs with Alleviated Efficiency Roll‐Off Based on MR‐TADF Materials Containing Indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole
Authors: Song Shi‐Quan , Yip Ching‐Fai , Liu Qi‐Ming , Zhong Xiao‐Sheng , Wang Yi , Zheng You‐Xuan
Published: March 2024

The multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence (MR‐TADF) materials can meet the requirement of a high color gamut of displays due to their narrowband emission. However, most reported organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on MR‐TADF materials suffer from severe efficiency roll‐off. Herein, three green MR‐TADF emitters, p‐ICz‐BNCz, m‐ICz‐BNCz, and dm‐ICz‐BNCz, are obtained by introducing bulky indolo[3,2,1‐jk]carbazole (ICz) units into the classical DtBuCzB skeleton at the para or meta positions relative to the boron‐substituted phenyl ring. Compared with the para‐substitution of ICz, the meta‐substitution not only increases the reverse intersystem crossing rate constants of m‐ICz‐BNCz and dm‐ICz‐BNCz by nearly three times, but also makes their configurations more twisted. The two factors work together to improve the utilization of triplet excitons of the emitters, showing photoluminescence quantum yields exceeding 90%. As a result, the two corresponding OLEDs exhibit maximum external quantum efficiency (EQEmax) values of 28% and 32.9%, respectively, with low‐efficiency roll‐off. At the high brightness of 1000 cd m−2, the EQE values of the two devices still maintain at 19.3% and 25.0%, respectively. In addition, green emissions with Commission Internationale de l'Eclairage coordinates of (0.20, 0.70) and (0.30, 0.67) are also observed.
Li Substitution Strategy for Enhancing Quantum Efficiency and Improving Thermal Stability of Red‐Light Mn4+‐Activated Fluoride for Wide‐Gamut Displays
Authors: Tang Wenyu , Wang Yuanjing , Zhou Yayun , Zhang Chuang , Chen Zhen , He Fanquan , Song Enhai , Zhang Qinyuan
Published: March 2024

Mn4+‐activated red‐light fluorides are widely used in high‐quality displays, due to the narrow‐spectral emission. However, achieving exceptional chromaticity coordinates and appropriate quantum efficiency (QE) at the same time is a great challenge. Herein, a Li substitution strategy is proposed for enhancing QE and improving the thermal stability of red‐light Mn4+‐activated Cs2NaGaF6 (CNGF). The external quantum efficiency (EQE) of optimal Cs2NaGaF6: Mn4+, Li+ (CNGF: Mn4+, Li+) is improved from 15.79% to 33.61% and thermal stability increases from 68.4% to 85.5% (intensity at 150 °C relative to room temperature). EQE enhancement mechanism on the strategy is explored that Li substitution increases the local structural distortion of Mn4+ for relieving the parity forbidden, and promotes Mn4+ doping in the host lattice, which provides new insights for improving the QE of Mn4+ non‐equivalent doped fluorides. Moreover, with exceptional chromaticity coordinates of (0.7029, 0.2970), optimal sample CNGF: 4.8 mol% Mn4+,0.9 mol% Li+ can be used to fabricate white light‐emitting diode (w‐LED) backlight, which obtains wide color gamut of 110.68% National Television Standards Committee (NTSC) and high luminous efficacy of 110.57 lm W−1, indicating that CNGF: Mn4+, Li+ is a promising candidate for the next generation of wide gamut and efficient displays.
Molecular Engineering toward Broad Color‐Tunable Emission of Pyrene‐Based Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogens
Authors: Liu Wei , Li Shaoling , Xie Zhixin , Huang Kaiwei , Yan Kai , Zhao Yu , Redshaw Carl , Feng Xing , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: March 2024

A molecular design strategy for the precise regulation of full‐color‐tunable emission organic luminescence materials is not yet systematically established for pyrene chemistry. To fabricate color‐tunable and highly‐efficiency pyrene‐based emitters, this article presents novel pyrene‐based molecules with donating‐π‐accepting structures, which exhibit bright, relatively narrow‐band FWHM emission, broad color‐tunable from deep blue (439 nm) to orange‐red (599 nm) both in solution and in the solid state. Moreover, the compounds 2a, 2d–g exhibit typical aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristics, with an enhanced fluorescence quantum yield in the solid state. The experimental results indicated that the presence of the sterically bulky meta‐substituted biphenyl adopts an out‐of‐plane twist conformation, which can strengthen the rigidity of the molecular conformation and suppress the intermolecular π–π stacking in the aggregated state, resulting in an enhanced emission in the solid state. The prepared pyrene‐based AIEgens are applied as fluorescent inks to write Chinese characters and art with a vivid pattern. Thus, this article not only presents an efficient molecular strategy to construct pyrene‐based AIEgen with broad color‐tunable emission properties for practical applications, but also display a powerful combination of the strong alliance between the advanced luminescent materials, art and Chinese traditional culture.
Stabilizing Phosphorene‐Like Group IV–VI Compounds via van der Waals Imprinting for Multistate Ferroelectricity and Tunable Spin Transport
Authors: Muzaffar Muhammad Usman , Zhang Chuanbao , Zhang Shunhong , Cui Ping , Zhang Zhenyu
Published: March 2024

Layered group IV–VI compounds (i.e., SnSe, SnS, GeSe, and GeS) in the puckered structure resembling black‐phosphorene (BlackP) have attracted increasing interest because of their intriguing ferroic orders and outstanding thermoelectric properties. By invoking the guiding principles of isovalency and isomorphism for promoting van der Waals epitaxy, and based on comprehensive first‐principles calculations, here it is shown that the typically metastable BlackP‐like GeTe can be readily stabilized on the (001) surface of isostructural SnSe. Importantly, the ferroelectricity of such a BlackP‐like GeTe monolayer can be substantially enhanced compared to the freestanding state, due to the substrate enlarged in‐plane polar displacements. The GeTe/SnSe heterobilayer exhibits multiple ferroelectric/ferrielectric polarization states, which can be exploited for high‐density memory devices. These mutually switchable polarization states are also shown to be internally locked with the spin polarization of the valence/conduction bands with pronounced Rashba spin‐orbit splitting and Berry curvature dipole. These findings highlight the intuitive yet enabling power of van der Waals imprinting in growing novel 2D materials for enriched functionalities.
High‐Entropy La‐(Bi0.2Na0.2Ba0.2Sr0.2Ca0.2)TiO3 Ceramic with Ultrastable Dielectric Performance within 327–689 K and up to 7 GPa
Authors: Wu Jie , Guo Jian , Ren Yifeng , Yang Yanping , Zhang Ziyou , Dong Hongliang , Zhang Shan‐Tao , Chen Zhiqiang , Deng Yu
Published: March 2024

To meet the needs of energy storage under high temperature and high pressure, a high‐entropy relaxor ferroelectric ceramic, La‐modified (Bi0.2Na0.2Ba0.2Sr0.2Ca0.2)TiO3 is prepared, which has excellent thermal and mechanical stability. At the wide temperature range of 327–689 K (tan δ < 0.01) and below ≈7 GPa, the material shows extraordinary functional performance. Comprehensive study indicates that the ceramic possesses a single‐phase cubic perovskite structure, and as the pressure increases, the material undergoes a transition at ≈8 GPa, in which enormous large grains crack into smaller grains, but the space group does not change. In addition, with further compression, the grains begin to rotate and re‐orientate at ≈9 GPa. Based on the investigations, it is considered that the suitable doping of multiple cations can effectively improve the stability of ceramics, and it also paves the experimental way to further study thermally and mechanically stable high‐entropy ceramics.
Corn response to strip‐tillage and phosphorus fertilization in the Northern Great Plains
Authors: Rogalsky Magdalena , Tiessen Kevin H. D. , Flaten Don , Lawley Yvonne , Tenuta Mario , Heard John
Published: March 2024

Strip‐tillage is an emerging conservation tillage/residue management system for corn production in the Northern Great Plains. Producers in Manitoba are becoming more interested in strip‐tillage as it may provide many of the soil conservation benefits of no‐tillage production without potential limitations of cold soils in the spring common to this region. A 2‐year study evaluated corn (Zea mays L.) response to phosphorus (P) fertilization in strip‐tillage and conventional tillage systems. Fertilization treatments included a control (no P), two rates of P (30 and 60 kg P2O5 ha−1), applied as monoammonium phosphate (11–52–0) either in the fall with a strip‐tillage unit (as a deep‐band, 10–13 cm deep) or in the spring with a corn planter (as a side‐band, 5 cm beside and 2.5 cm below the seed). Spring side‐banded P treatments increased early‐season biomass at 2 of 4 site‐years by up to 103% compared to the unfertilized controls. At the same 2 site‐years, banded P treatments reduced days to silking by 2–3 days, compared to the unfertilized controls. Across all site‐years, spring side‐banded P treatments increased grain yield by an average of 467 kg ha−1 and decreased grain moisture content by 9 g kg−1 compared to the unfertilized control. Overall, side‐banded P at planting was agronomically superior to precision fall deep‐banding. There was also no agronomic penalty for corn grown with strip‐tillage, compared to conventional tillage, suggesting that strip‐tillage is an agronomically promising practice for corn production in southern Manitoba.
A 2‐year, multi‐county survey of plant‐parasitic nematodes in North Carolina flue‐cured tobacco
Authors: Bonyak Hannah C. , Vann Matthew C. , Ye Weimin , Lewis Ramsey S. , Gorny Adrienne M.
Published: March 2024

North Carolina is the leading producer of flue‐cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) in the United States. Production in the state is threatened by numerous plant‐parasitic nematodes, including Meloidogyne spp. (root‐knot), Globodera tabacum (tobacco cyst), Pratylenchus spp. (lesion), Rotylenchulus reniformis (reniform), and Tylenchorhynchus spp. (stunt) nematodes. The invasive Meloidogyne enterolobii is also a major threat as it can infect tobacco varieties carrying the Rk gene, which conditions resistance to other Meloidogyne species. To gain an updated understanding of which nematode taxa are present in tobacco production and investigate distribution of M. enterolobii in North Carolina, a 2‐year survey was conducted. From 2021 to 2022, 188 fields were sampled across 24 tobacco‐growing counties. Samples were assayed for identification and quantification of nematodes at the genus level; where Meloidogyne spp. was identified, molecular testing was used to determine the species. Data were also collected on the previous crop and tobacco variety grown. In both years, lesion, root‐knot, dagger, and stunt nematodes were found in the highest incidence among samples. In 2022, M. enterolobii was identified in a single sample each from Granville and Pitt counties; this is the first report of M. enterolobii from Granville County. Tobacco variety NC 196 and soybean were the most common variety and previous crop grown, respectively, in both years of the survey. Tobacco variety did not have an effect on nematode population density. The previous crop had a significant effect on root‐knot and spiral nematodes in 2021, and lesion and stubby root nematodes in 2022.
Miniaturized Variable Stiffness Gripper Locally Actuated by Magnetic Fields
Authors: Masjosthusmann Lukas , Richter Michiel , Makushko Pavlo , Makarov Denys , Misra Sarthak
Published: March 2024

In minimally invasive surgery, grippers are essential for tissue manipulation. However, in commercial tendon‐driven systems, challenges remain, including tendon fatigue and bulkiness. Promising alternatives are magnetically actuated systems, offering contactless steering but limited forces. To overcome this, a miniaturized, locally actuated magnetic gripper with variable stiffness is presented. The gripper employs thin planar coils (75 μm) and a radially magnetized plunger, enabling local actuation and enhanced orientation control. The variable stiffness compliant mechanism made from shape‐memory polymer facilitates different gripping strategies. In its rigid state, pulsed pulling forces of 340 mN and continuous forces of 90 mN are achieved, exceeding the gripper weight by factors of 70 and 18, respectively. The soft state, with a fast response time of 20 ms, enables soft gripping of various targets, including moving ones and rat tissue samples. Demonstrating the applicability, contactless steering and target retrieval within a stomach phantom is showcased. This study introduces promising improvements to magnetically actuated grippers for surgical procedures, addressing key challenges in current designs.
The shift in the fatty acid composition of the circulating lipidome in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Dakterzada Farida , Jové Mariona , Cantero José Luís , Mota‐Martorell Natàlia , Pamplona Reinald , Piñoll‐Ripoll Gerard
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCTION

Fatty acids (FAs) are the building blocks of complex lipids and signaling compounds; the role of the lipidome fatty acid profile (LFA) in AD progression remains unclear.

METHODS

The LFA of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from 289 participants (103 AD patients, 92 MCI patients, and 94 controls) was determined by GC‐FID. The MCI subjects were followed up for 58 ± 12.5 months.

RESULTS

In controls, CSF has a more neuroprotective LFA than plasma. In CSF, a higher content of docosahexaenoic acid was associated with a reduced risk of MCI‐to‐AD progression. In plasma, higher oleic acid content was associated with lower risk of AD, MCI, and MCI‐to‐AD progression, whereas higher levels of vaccenic acid and docosahexaenoic acid were associated with greater risk of AD and MCI, and higher rate of MCI‐to‐AD progression, respectively.

DISCUSSION

The circulating LFA is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of AD.

Highlights

The lipidome fatty acid profile in CSF and plasma was markedly different.

Higher levels of vaccenic acid and lower levels of oleic acid in plasma were associated with greater risk of Alzheimer's disease.

In plasma, higher levels of oleic acid were associated with a reduced risk of MCI‐to‐AD progression.

Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in CSF were associated with a lower risk of MCI‐to‐AD progression.

Higher levels of docosahexaenoic acid in plasma were associated with a greater rate of MCI‐to‐AD progression.
Clinical Issues — April 2024
Authors: deKay Karen , Swartz Zach
Published: March 2024

THIS MONTH

Cell phone cleaning

Key words: electronic device, disinfect, hand hygiene, bacteria, cell phone.

Laundry facility accreditation

Key words: linen, laundering, inspection, accreditation standards, Healthcare Laundry Accreditation Council (HLAC).

Cleaning hybrid OR floor tracks

Key words: hybrid OR, between‐patient cleaning, terminal cleaning, maintenance, tracking system.

Nail coverings in the perioperative setting

Key words: nail lacquer, enhanced nail lacquer, artificial nails, natural nails, hand hygiene.
Unraveling Na‐Ion Insertion Mechanisms in Polymer‐Derived SiCN(O) Ceramic via Operando Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Melzi d'Eril Marco , Kempf Alexander , De Carolis Dario M. , Graczyk‐Zajac Magdalena Joanna , Mera Gabriela , Riedel Ralf
Published: March 2024

In this study we investigate the Na insertion process occurring in the “free carbon” phase embedded in two different SiCN(O) matrices with operando Raman spectroscopy. The two SiCN(O) samples have been prepared using two different thermal treatments carried out at 1000 °C (SiCN(O)1000) and 1400 °C (SiCN(O)1400). X‐ray diffraction as well as argon adsorption reveal significant structural and morphological differences between the materials. SiCN(O)1000 shows an amorphous nature whereas SiCN(O)1400 reveals the presence of crystalline β‐SiC, accompanied by a notable increase in surface area (from 56.7 m2/g to 331 m2/g) and micropore volume (from 0.02 cm3/g to 0.12 cm3/g). These alterations in the ceramic matrix due to thermal treatment affect significantly the electrochemical performance with initial de‐sodiation capacities of 112.4 mAh/g and 52.3 mAh/g for SiCN(O)1000 and SiCN(O)1400, respectively. Operando Raman spectroscopy, carried out during the sodiation and de‐sodiation of the SiCN(O) ceramics, reveals the microstructural changes occurring to the “free carbon” phase during the storage of sodium ions. As sodium is inserted, a shift in the G‐band position is observed in both the samples from about 1600 cm−1 to 1555 cm−1, with a concomitant decrease of the D‐band intensity and the distance between defects (LD) growing from 7.5 nm to 17.5 nm. Upon de‐sodiation, SiCN(O)1400 exhibits an inferior storage reversibility compared to SiCN(O)1000. This may be attributed to the irreversible sodium trapping occurring in SiCN(O)1400, highlighted by the reduced efficiency of the electrochemical process.
Effects of electromagnetic pulses, exosomes inhibition and their coaction on A549 cells
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hou Qingxia , An Guangzhou
Published: March 2024

Mounting literature indicates that electromagnetic pulses (EMP) is the promising modality to treat cancers with advantages such as noninvasiveness and few side‐effects, but its appropriate parameters and underlying mechanisms such as its influence on tumor‐derived exosomes (TDEs) are largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate effects of EMP, exosome inhibition and their coaction on A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. A549 cells were randomly divided into control group, GW4869 group treated by 20 μM GW4869, vehicle group treated by dimethyl sulfoxide, EMP group treated by EMP exposure, and EMPG group treated by EMP exposure combined with 20 μM GW4869. After EMP exposure, cell proliferation was determined by CCK8 assay, cell cycle and apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry, and cell migration was determined by transwell assay. The results showed that EMP or exosomes inhibition did not affect cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis and cell migration (p > 0.05), but cell migration in EMPG group was significantly decreased compared with vehicle group (p < 0.05). We concluded that under the experimental condition, EMP or GW4869 alone had no effects on behaviors of A549 cells, but their coaction could effectively inhibit the migration of A549 cells.
A Behaviour Change Analysis of Safer Sleep Interventions for Infants at Risk of Sudden and Unexpected Death
Authors: Shiells Kate , Cann Hannah , Pease Anna , McGovern Ruth , Woodman Jenny , Barrett Simon , Barlow Jane
Published: March 2024

Rates of sudden unexpected death in infancy have been found to occur disproportionately amongst families living in the most deprived neighbourhoods. This suggests that standard safer sleep messaging may not be effective for this population and that research is required to identify ways of working that are better associated with behavioural change in parents with children at increased risk of SUDI. In this study, we aimed to explore the behavioural change components and mechanisms of action of safer sleep interventions for families with children at increased risk of SUDI. We conducted an analysis of the literature on safer sleep interventions using the COM‐B model, Theoretical Domains Framework and Behavioural Change Technique Taxonomy. All interventions targeted parents' capability; 15 interventions targeted parents' opportunity; and six interventions targeted parents' motivation to engage in safer sleep practices. Nineteen behavioural change techniques were identified. The focus of practitioners may need to shift from solely the delivery of safer sleep information towards working with parents to understand their capability, opportunity and, in particular, motivation to engage in safer sleep practices, identified as being a key driver of behaviour in this population.
Finding the Ajoene Sweet‐Spot: Structure‐Activity Relations that Govern its Blood Stability and Cancer Cytotoxicity
Authors: Kusza Daniel A. , Venter Gerhard A. , Mabunda Mandla , Biwi James , Samanta Suman K. , Klinck Johan D. , Singh Shivendra V. , Hunter Roger , Kaschula Catherine H.
Published: March 2024

Ajoene is an organosulfur compound found in crushed garlic that exerts its anti‐cancer activity by S‐thiolating cysteine residues on proteins. Its development is hampered due to limited bioavailability, so in this study, we synthesised analogues of ajoene to probe the significance of the ajoene vinyl disulfide/sulfoxide core with respect to cytotoxicity and blood stability. Polar side groups were also incorporated to improve aqueous solubility. It was found that derivatives containing a vinyl disulfide functional group (4–7, as in ajoene), were more cytotoxic compared to analogues in which the double bond was removed, although the latter showed superior blood stability. It was also found that the allyl‐S sulfur of the disulfide was more electrophilic to S‐thiolysis based on the global electrophilicity index (ω) and the condensed electrophilic Fukui function
. S‐Thiolysis was found to be exergonic for the vinyl disulfides based on entropy and enthalpy computations with a deprotonated thiolate. Derivatisation to the dihydro (10, 12) and deoxydihydroajoenes (9, 11) produced analogues that were slightly less potent but with greatly improved blood stability. Taken together, the deoxydihydroajoenes present themselves as good candidates for further therapeutic development.
Performance of a novel eight‐color flow cytometry panel for measurable residual disease assessment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Chen Xiao , Chen Xia , Zhao Sishu , Shi Yu , Zhang Ninghan , Guo Zhen , Qiao Chun , Jin Huimin , Zhu Liying , Zhu Huayuan , Li Jianyong , Wu Yujie
Published: March 2024

Background

Measurable residual disease (MRD) is an important prognostic indicator of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Different flow cytometric panels have been developed for the MRD assessment of CLL in Western countries; however, the application of these panels in China remains largely unexplored.

Methods

Owing to the requirements for high accuracy, reproducibility, and comparability of MRD assessment in China, we investigated the performance of a flow cytometric approach (CD45‐ROR1 panel) to assess MRD in patients with CLL. The European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC) eight‐color panel was used as the “gold standard.”

Results

The sensitivity, specificity, and concordance rate of the CD45‐ROR1 panel in the MRD assessment of CLL were 100% (87/87), 88.5% (23/26), and 97.3% (110/113), respectively. Two of the three inconsistent samples were further verified using next‐generation sequencing. In addition, the MRD results obtained from the CD45‐ROR1 panel were positively associated with the ERIC eight‐color panel results for MRD assessment (R = 0.98, p < 0.0001). MRD detection at low levels (≤1.0%) demonstrated a smaller difference between the two methods (bias, −0.11; 95% CI, −0.90 to 0.68) than that at high levels (>1%). In the reproducibility assessment, the bias was smaller at three data points (within 24, 48, and 72 h) in the CD45‐ROR1 panel than in the ERIC eight‐color panel. Moreover, MRD levels detected using the CD45‐ROR1 panel for the same samples from different laboratories showed a strong statistical correlation (R = 0.99, p < 0.0001) with trivial interlaboratory variation (bias, 0.135; 95% CI, −0.439 to 0.709). In addition, the positivity rate of MRD in the bone marrow samples was higher than that in the peripheral blood samples.

Conclusions

Collectively, this study demonstrated that the CD45‐ROR1 panel is a reliable method for MRD assessment of CLL with high sensitivity, reproducibility, and reliability.
Small planar antenna array design using length and spacing through Matlab‐HFSS interfacing
Authors: Patidar Hemant , Das Avishek , Kar Rajib
Published: March 2024

This study presents a novel method for reducing return loss and achieving lower side lobe levels in small planar antenna arrays (PAAs). Quantum particle swarm optimisation (QPSO) findings are utilised for antenna design modelling and performance assessment utilising the MATLAB‐based moment's code approach and MATLAB‐HFSS interface. The mutual coupling between antenna components is considered and computed using the method of moments (MoM). Changing the array elements' length and spacing will accomplish the abovementioned objectives. The Matlab‐based moments code calculates the antenna components' length and spacing, and the antennas' length and spacing are used to produce the radiation pattern via the Matlab‐HFSS interface. Four examples of small PAA designs are given to illustrate how well the applied methodology works. The method discussed in this paper is generic and can be employed in the future for different sizes of the array elements and the different antenna array structure designs.
Monitoring lipid oxidation in multiple emulsions by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Boisset Laetitia , de Caro Pascale , Stojmilovic Ivana , Thiebaud‐Roux Sophie , Levasseur‐Garcia Cécile
Published: March 2024

Lipid oxidation has an impact on the quality and properties of fat‐containing products that are commonly produced by cosmetics or coatings industries. In this study, a water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsion (48% w/w of pre‐polymerized linseed oil stabilized with alkylpolyglucoside) was subjected to oxidation under accelerated aging conditions at 50°C over 15 days. After fat extraction from emulsion, peroxide, and p‐anisidine values were measured using standardized methods. The application of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in conjunction with chemometrics was investigated to assess the quality parameters of emulsions under accelerated aging within closed flasks. Significant variations were observed across the following spectral regions: 7541–5948, 5739–3657, and 3645–3637 cm−1. Partial least squares regression discriminant analysis, possibly combined with multiplicative scattering correction preprocessing, proved to be a powerful method to classify the emulsions according to two oxidation levels defined by periods A and B. The performances of the prediction model were characterized by a precision of 85%, a predictive value of period A of 98%, a sensitivity of 99%, a specificity of 81%, and an accuracy of 90%. Thus, we demonstrate that NIRS is a suitable analytical method to discriminate emulsions according to their aging behavior.

Practical Applications: The PLS‐DA method coupled to near infrared spectroscopy analyses is adapted to assess the chemical degradations of vegetable oil–based emulsions due to lipid oxidation. This tool is interesting for at‐line or off‐line monitoring of emulsions during their storage. As it is a fast and nondestructive method, the quality control of a formulation stored in a closed glass container is facilitated. This method could also be used to determine the effectiveness of an antioxidant or a drier in emulsions, respectively, prepared for cosmetics and coatings.
Active ischemic pre‐conditioning does not additively improve short‐term high‐intensity cycling performance when combined with caffeine ingestion in trained young men
Authors: Jessen Søren , Zeuthen Martin , Sommer Jeppesen Jan , Kehler Frederik , Olesen Casper Bjerre , Pallisgaard Anders , Christiansen Danny , Bangsbo Jens
Published: March 2024

We investigated the effect of ischemic preconditioning (IPC) with and without caffeine supplementation on mean power output (MPO) during a 4‐min cycling time‐trial (TT). In a double‐blinded, randomized, crossover‐design, 11 trained men performed a TT on 4 days separated by ∼1 week. One hour before TT, participants ingested either caffeine (3 mg kg bw−1) or placebo pills, after which femoral blood‐flow was either restricted with occlusion cuffs inflated to ∼180 mmHg (IPC), or sham‐restricted (0–10 mmHg; Sham) during 3 × 2‐min low‐intensity cycling (10% of incremental peak power output). Then, participants performed a standardized warm‐up followed by the TT. Plasma lactate and K+ concentrations and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured throughout trials. TT MPO was 382 ± 17 W in Placebo + Sham and not different from Placebo + IPC (−1 W; 95% CI: −9 to 7; p = 0.848; d: 0.06), whereas MPO was higher with Caffeine + Sham (+6W; 95% CI: −2 to 14; p = 0.115; d: 0.49) and Caffeine + IPC (+8 W; 95% CI: 2–13; p = 0.019; d: 0.79) versus Placebo + Sham. MPO differences were attributed to caffeine (caffeine main‐effect: +7 W; 95% CI: 2–13; p = 0.015; d: 0.54. IPC main‐effect: 0 W; 95% CI: −6 to 7; p = 0.891; d: 0.03; caffeine × IPC interaction‐effect: p = 0.580; d: 0.17). TT RPE and plasma variables were not different between treatments. In conlcusion, IPC with co‐ingestion of placebo does not improve short‐term high‐intensity performance in trained men versus a double‐placebo control (Placebo + Sham) and does not additively enhance performance with caffeine. These data do not support IPC as a useful strategy for athletes prior to competition but confirms caffeine's performance‐enhancing effect.
Low cycle number multiplex PCR: A novel strategy for the construction of amplicon libraries for next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Lu Meng , Sun Xiuxiu , Zhao Yuxin , Zheng Linlin , Lin Junjie , Tang Chen , Chao Kaiyue , Chen Ye , Li Kai , Zhou Yuxun , Xiao Junhua
Published: March 2024

Multiplex PCR is a critical step when preparing amplicon library for next‐generation sequencing. However, there are several challenges related to multiplex PCR including poor uniformity, nonspecific amplification, and primer–dimers. To address these issues, we propose a novel solution strategy that involves using a low cycle number (<10 cycles) in multiplex PCR and then employing carrier DNAs and magnetic beads for the selection of targeted products. This technique improves the amplicon uniformity while also reducing primer–dimers and PCR artifacts. To evaluate our technique, we initially utilized 120 DNA fragments from mouse genome containing single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites. Sequencing results demonstrated that with only 7 cycles of multiplex PCR, 95.8% of the targeted SNP sites were mapped, with a coverage of at least 1×. The average sequencing depth of all amplicons was 1705.79 ± 1205.30×; 87% of them reached a coverage depth that exceeded 0.2‐fold of the average sequencing depth. Our method had a greater uniformity (87%) when compared to Hi‐Plex PCR (53.3%). Furthermore, we validated our strategy by randomly selecting 90 primer pairs twice from the initial set of 120 primer‐pairs. Next, we used the same protocol to prepare amplicon libraries. The two groups had an average sequencing depth of 1013.30 ± 585.57× and 219.10 ± 158.27×, respectively; over 84% of the amplicons had a sequencing depth that exceeded 0.2‐fold of average depth. These results suggest that the use of a low cycle number in multiplex PCR is a cost‐effective and efficient approach for the preparation of amplicon libraries.
Unveiling global research trends and hotspots on mitochondria in NAFLD from 2000 to 2023: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Hu Jingqin , Chen Ze , Zhou Yibing , Li Yinglun , Liu Jing , Mi Yuqiang , Wang Li , Jiang Feng , Li Ping
Published: March 2024

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has garnered significant attention in the past decade as a prevalent chronic liver condition. Despite a growing body of evidence implicating mitochondria in NAFLD development, comprehensive bibliometric analyses within this research domain are scarce. This study aims to provide a thorough overview of the knowledge framework and key research areas related to mitochondria in the context of NAFLD, utilizing bibliometric techniques.

Methods

A comprehensive search of publications on mitochondria in NAFLD from 2000 to 2023 was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection database. VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and the R package “bibliometrix” were employed for a precise assessment of the literature.

Results

Examining 2530 articles from 77 countries, primarily led by the United States and China, revealed a consistent increase in publications on mitochondria's role in NAFLD. Leading research institutions include the University of Coimbra, the University of Missouri, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fudan University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University. Notably, the International Journal of Molecular Sciences emerged as the most popular journal, and Hepatology was the most frequently cited. With contributions from 14,543 authors, Michael Roden published the highest number of papers, and A. J. Samyal was the most frequently cocited author. Key focus areas include investigating mitochondrial mechanisms impacting NAFLD and developing therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria. Emerging research hotspots are associated with keywords such as “inflammation,” “mitochondrial dysfunction,” “autophagy,” “obesity,” and “insulin resistance.”

Conclusion

This study, the first comprehensive bibliometric analysis, synthesizes research trends and advancements in the role of mitochondria in NAFLD. Insights derived from this analysis illuminate current frontiers and emerging areas of interest, providing a valuable reference for scholars dedicated to mitochondrial studies.
Impacts of cross‐border equity portfolio flow and central bank transparency on financial development: The role of economic freedom and international bonds
Authors: Kwabi Frank , Wonu Chizindu , Ezeani Ernest , Owusu Andrews , Leone Vitor
Published: March 2024

We investigate the effects of international equity portfolio diversification and central bank independence on financial development using panel data from 49 countries from 2001 to 2016. We find that international equity portfolio diversification improves financial development. We correspondingly examine potential factors through which international equity portfolio diversification may impact financial development and find that central bank transparency provides an important channel for improving financial development. We further find that the relationship between international equity portfolio diversification and financial development is sensitive to economic freedom. Concerning sequencing, we find that foreign equity and debt flow are complementary to financial system development. Our results are robust to endogeneity using the exogenous shock of the 2008 financial crisis. This study offers new empirical evidence on the relationship between international capital and financial development.