bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of genetic co‐mutation on chemotherapeutic outcome in NPM1‐mutated and FLT3‐ITD wild‐type AML patients
Authors: Wu Quan , Zhang Yujiao , Yuan Baoyi , Huang Yun , Jiang Ling , Liu Fang , Yan Ping , Cheng Jiaying , Long Zhiquan , Jiang Xuejie
Published: August 2024

Background

Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) gene‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia (NPM1mut AML) is classified as a subtype with a favorable prognosis. However, some patients fail to achieve a complete remission or relapse after intensified chemotherapy. Genetic abnormalities in concomitant mutations contribute to heterogeneous prognosis of NPM1mut AML patients.

Methods

In this study, 91 NPM1‐mutated and FLT3‐ITD wild‐type (NPM1mut/FLT3‐ITDwt) AML patients with intermediate‐risk karyotype were enrolled to analyze the impact of common genetic co‐mutations on chemotherapeutic outcome.

Results

Our data revealed that TET1/2 (52/91, 57.1%) was the most prevalent co‐mutation in NPM1mut AML patients, followed by IDH1/2 (36/91, 39.6%), DNMT3A (35/91, 38.5%), myelodysplastic syndrome related genes (MDS‐related genes) (ASXL1, BCOR, EZH2, RUNX1, SF3B1, SRSF2, STAG2, U2AF1 and ZRSR2 genes) (35/91, 38.5%), FLT3‐TKD (27/91, 29.7%) and GATA2 (13/91, 14.3%) mutations. Patients with TET1/2mut exhibited significantly worse relapse‐free survival (RFS) (median, 28.7 vs. not reached (NR) months; p = 0.0382) compared to patients with TET1/2wt, while no significant difference was observed in overall survival (OS) (median, NR vs. NR; p = 0.3035). GATA2mut subtype was associated with inferior OS (median, 28 vs. NR months; p < 0.0010) and RFS (median, 24 vs. NR months; p = 0.0224) compared to GATA2wt. By multivariate analysis, GATA2mut and MDS‐related genesmut were independently associated with worse survival.

Conclusion

Mutations in TET1/2, GATA2 and MDS‐related genes were found to significantly influence the chemotherapeutic outcome of patients with NPM1mut AML. The findings of our study have significant clinical implications for identifying patients who have an adverse response to frontline chemotherapy and provide a novel reference for further prognostic stratification of NPM1mut/FLT3‐ITDwt AML patients.
Production of a functional snack from germinated brown rice fermented with baobab pulp (Adansonia digitata L.) as a starter
Authors: Adedeji Olajide Emmanuel , Nathan Blessing Fxafa , Sunday Godiya Ene
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Brown rice (BR) is becoming popular in functional food product development. To improve its utilization, it is necessary to subject BR to bioprocessing techniques such as germination. The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of snacks developed from different rice types fermented with baobab pulp powder (BPP) as a starter.

Findings

The germinated BR (GBR) snack had higher protein, ash, soluble dietary fiber, resistant starch, total phenolic, carotenoid contents, and antioxidant activities than snacks from white rice (WR) and BR. The textural and sensory attributes of the snacks from GBR and WR were similar. The WR snack had a higher rapidly digestible starch and lower slowly digestible starch compared to the GBR snack. The inclusion of BPP increased protein, ash, riboflavin, dietary fiber, resistant starch, carotenoid contents, and antioxidant activities of all the samples.

Conclusions

GBR and BPP could serve as invaluable ingredients in producing nutritious and healthy snacks.

Significance and Novelty

Due to its health‐promoting qualities, utilizing GBR in product development is increasing. However, studies adopting GBR in traditional rice‐based products are limited; hence, the focus of this study.
Predicting fumonisins in Iowa corn: Gradient boosting machine learning
Authors: Branstad‐Spates Emily , Castano‐Duque Lina , Mosher Gretchen , Hurburgh Charles , Rajasekaran Kanniah , Owens Phillip , Edwin Winzeler H. , Bowers Erin
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Fumonisin (FUM), a secondary metabolite from Fusarium spp., poses major concerns for the United States corn industry. This study evaluated a prepublished Illinois‐centric predictive model with historical Iowa FUM contamination data using gradient boosting machine (GBM) learning and compared influential predictors with an Iowa‐centric model. Corn samples (n = 529) were collected from 2010, 2020, and 2021 in Iowa's 99 counties, and 2011 data were used for independent validation (n = 89).

Findings

Applying a 2 ppm (mg/kg) threshold for FUM high and low contamination events, the overall accuracy was 71.08% and 85.39% for the Illinois‐ and Iowa‐centric models in 2011. Balanced accuracies were 60.23% and 50.00% for the Illinois‐ and Iowa‐centric models. For Iowa's remaining years (testing data), the overall accuracy was 98.10%, and balanced accuracy was 50.00%.

Conclusions

FUM‐GBM analyses determined the top influential predictor for the Illinois‐centric model was satellite‐acquired normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) (Veg_index) in March, whereas the top predictor for the Iowa‐centric model was precipitation (PRCP) in October.

Significance and Novelty

Results indicate that meteorological and agronomic events, such as PRCP and Veg_index in early planting stages and during harvest, may influence the probability of high FUM levels in corn.
New‐onset sarcoidosis in a patient with long COVID
Authors: Rodriguez‐Nava Guillermo , El Kamari Vanessa , Chang Harvey , Egoryan Goar , Bonilla Hector F.
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Long COVID, often following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, may stem from sustained inflammation, overlapping with autoimmune diseases like sarcoidosis. Though specific treatments lack, this link could shape future diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Emphysematous pyelonephritis diagnosed by acute changes detected via computed tomography: A case report
Authors: Kato Yoichiro , Ishii Shuhei , Goto Yuta , Nozaki Yasushi , Kawamura Tatsuya , Morino Gota , Hoshi Shintaro , Takahashi Gaku , Obara Wataru
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

This is the first case report in which computed tomography (CT) images of a patient with emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) capture the time course of emphysema from onset to resolution through conservative treatment. To re‐evaluate EPN, including refractory urinary tract infections, CT scans after 72 h might be helpful.
Long‐term rehabilitation with interferential current stimulation for persistent dysphagia in anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis: A case report
Authors: Sugahara Takahiro , Nagami Shinsuke , Sato Ryota , Ishizaki Naohiko , Fujishima Ichiro , Aikawa Fumihito
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by various neurological symptoms with a relatively favorable prognosis. We present a case of prolonged dysphagia successfully managed with outpatient rehabilitation, including interferential current stimulation and resistance exercises. Significant improvement was observed, highlighting the efficacy of combined treatment in overcoming chronic dysphagia.
Googling and health anxiety in older age—A case study of CBT incorporating a single case experimental design
Authors: Hill Sean , Watts Daniel
Published: August 2024

Key Clinical Message

The use of online search engines to “google” health‐related information is common in health anxiety, and requires careful consideration within psychological treatment. Its nature in older adult populations is less closely understood. This report demonstrates the reduction in googling frequency using cognitive‐behavioral therapy in an 83‐year‐old female with health anxiety.
Cu and Fe modified Cerium and Zirconium Oxides for the Oxidation of Cyclohexane to KA Oil
Authors: Vomeri Alessandro , Stucchi Marta , Villa Alberto , Hungría Ana B. , Calvino José , Prati Laura
Published: August 2024

Ce and Zr oxides have been tested in the oxidation of cyclohexane to KA oil because of the possibility to tune their crystal structure and redox properties by introducing defects, and of modifying their mechanical and thermal stability. The redox properties of the two oxides, prepared by the inverse microemulsion technique, have been tuned by homogeneously including Cu or Fe (10 % molar) into their structures. These modifications led to very different behaviours in terms of both KA oil productivity and K/A ratios, especially upon undergoing reduction treatment, being the reduced Cu‐modified CeO2 oxide the most active catalyst, able to produce 2.2 mmol of KA oil after 5 hours with 93.2 % selectivity (K/A 2.6). The materials obtained have been characterized by solid state analytical techniques to study their structure, morphologies as well as their bulk and surface chemistry (STEM/EDX, BET, XRD, XPS).
A Novel 3DOM‐ZrO2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S Catalyst with Excellent Photocatalytic H2 Evolution Performance
Authors: Liu Guozhong , Liu Haizhen , Hu Ziying , Wang Shanhao , Jia Hongpeng , Chen Jing
Published: August 2024

Three‐dimensional ordered macroporous (3DOM) materials have good properties in the mass transfer and diffusion. Herein, a novel Z‐scheme 3DOM‐ZrO2/Cd0.5Zn0.5S (Zr3D/CZS) heterojunction catalyst was prepared and applied to photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production. The results show that the three‐dimensional macroporous zirconia is conducive to the transport of photogenerated charges, and the optimal catalyst 2Zr3D/CZS achieves the highest hydrogen production rate of 83.12 mmol g−1 h−1 under the full spectrum illumination, which is 213 and 2 times higher than that of pure ZrO2 (0.39 mmol g−1 h−1) and CZS (40.86 mmol g−1 h−1), respectively. Under 450 nm light irradiation, the apparent quantum efficient is up to 44 %. In addition, the catalyst also showed good stability. The possible charge transfer mechanism was proposed under the full spectrum and visible light, respectively. This work provides an efficient strategy for design and synthesis of high active ZrO2 based photocatlysts for hydrogen production.
Assessing application errors on sports fields across varying levels of sprayer technology and operator experience
Authors: Floyd Weston W. , Muesse Megan R. , Tucker Hailey N. , Alabi Opeyemi E. , Winger Jacob O. , Straw Chase M.
Published: August 2024

This study aimed to quantify misses, overlaps, and oversprays on sports fields using different sprayer technologies across operator experience levels. Conducted from Winter 2022 to Summer 2023 at Veterans Park and Southwood Park in College Station, TX, identical studies were conducted on softball, baseball, and soccer fields. Employing a crossover design, six treatments were administered to three fields at each location, using manual, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), and GNSS + autosteer sprayer technologies. Operators ranged from a highly experienced former sports field manager with nearly 20 years of experience to four inexperienced undergraduate students. Field boundaries were georeferenced for target area determination and treatment applications, using water and a spray volume of 65 gal per acre. ArcMap calculated percentage target area missed, overlapped, and oversprayed based on the actual versus intended volume sprayed. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were separated using Fisher's protected LSD (α = 0.05). Applications by inexperienced operators using manual spray mode typically resulted in the highest rates of percentage target area missed and overlapped across locations and field types. The use of GNSS and autosteer technologies markedly reduced these errors and, consequently, percentage target area oversprayed. This enhancement in the consistency of applications led to a reduction of up to 4.6% in the total volume applied on the softball, baseball, and soccer fields. Therefore, the findings suggest that investing in GNSS‐equipped sprayers with autosteer not only decreases the dependency on experienced operators but also minimizes errors and reduces total volume applied.
Family Therapy for Kosovar Mothers Who Experienced Conflict‐Related Sexual Violence and Their Children in Postwar Times: A Pilot Randomised Waitlist‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Seery Christina , Rushiti Feride , Krasniqi Sebahate Pacolli , Çarkaxhiu Selvi Izeti , Xhemaili Vjosa Devaja , Limani Dafina Arifaj , Prapashtica Qëndresa , Turjaka Vesa , Zekaj Nebahate , Salihu Mimoza , Hjort Line , Ryan Joanne , Kaas‐Petersen Sara Helene , Wang Shr‐Jie Sharlenna
Published: August 2024

Women who have experienced conflict‐related sexual violence report significant long‐term effects, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and relationship difficulties. Research has demonstrated that maternal trauma is associated with children's behavioural difficulties and challenges in family functioning, such as impaired communication and harsh parenting. This pilot study is aimed at evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of family therapy for Kosovar mothers who experienced conflict‐related sexual violence in 1998–1999 and later developed PTSD and their children in improving family functioning and reducing behavioural difficulties in postwar times. Sixty‐four mothers were randomised to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Data was collected during a screening phase, at baseline before intervention initiation, after the intervention group completed family therapy and once the waitlist control group received the intervention. Generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse group differences in family functioning and children's behaviours over time. At follow‐up, mothers in the intervention group reported improved family functioning. However, mothers in the waitlist control group reported significantly fewer behavioural difficulties than mothers in the intervention group before the control group had started family therapy. There was no significant interaction between group condition and time for child‐rated family functioning. Overall, this pilot study suggests that family therapy could be effective in reducing the effects of intergenerational trauma related to PTSD and conflict‐related sexual violence. Future research should evaluate the long‐term effects of family therapy to assess if immediate effects were maintained.
Item Response Theory Quantifies the Relationship Between Improvements in Serum Phosphate and Patient‐Reported Outcomes in Adults With X‐Linked Hypophosphatemia
Authors: Mehta Krina , Gosselin Nathalie H. , Insogna Karl , Barriere Olivier , Quattrocchi Emilia , Hruska Matthew W. , Marsteller Douglas
Published: August 2024

Burosumab is indicated for treatment of a rare bone disease, X‐linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). The aim of this analysis was to evaluate the relationship between a treatment response biomarker and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). Longitudinal data for PROs were obtained from adults with XLH from a phase III study. Individual rich time profiles of the biomarker, serum phosphate were simulated using a prior population pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic model to calculate serum phosphate exposure metrics for each 28‐day treatment cycle, which were then merged with PROs data. Item response theory parameters were first estimated to map a latent variable, ψ, that is, disability score, relative to baseline. Next, the relationships between serum phosphate exposures and ψ were modeled using a nonlinear mixed‐effect (NLME) modeling approach. A combined item response theory–NLME model with average serum phosphate as a predictor of ψ described PROs data well. The model estimates suggested 28%, 31%, and 25% reduction in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, brief pain inventory, and brief fatigue inventory scores, respectively, with every unit increase in average serum phosphate from the lower limit of normal (2.5 mg/dL). Additionally, a time effect of ~ 0.08% improvements each week was estimated. The analysis suggested that burosumab treatment‐induced improvements in serum phosphate levels are associated with improvements in PROs in adults with X‐linked hypophosphatemia. The analyses confirmed the importance of prolonged serum phosphate level correction in adult patients with XLH. These results can be useful to guide the design of further studies and to design treatment optimization strategies.
Setting Up the JBrowse 2 Genome Browser
Authors: Diesh Colin , Buels Robert , Stevens Garrett , Bridge Caroline , Cain Scott , Stein Lincoln , Holmes Ian
Published: August 2024

JBrowse 2 is a modular genome browser that can visualize many common genomic file formats. While JBrowse 2 supports a variety of different usages, it is particularly suited for deployment on websites, such as model organism databases or other web‐based genomic data resources. This protocol provides detailed instructions for setting up JBrowse 2 on an Ubuntu Linux web server, loading a reference genome from a FASTA format file, and adding a gene annotation track from a GFF3 format file. By the end of the protocol, users will have a working JBrowse 2 instance that is accessible via the web. © 2024 The Author(s). Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol: Setting up JBrowse 2 on your web server
QTL mapping of preharvest sprouting resistance in bread wheat population SHA3/CBRD by Naxos confirms a negative effect of the 1BL.1RS translocation on falling number
Authors: Begum Most Champa , Belova Tatiana , Dieseth Jon Arne , Yang Ennian , Mosleth Ellen Færgestad , Uhlen Anne Kjersti , Lillemo Morten
Published: August 2024

Preharvest sprouting (PHS) is a serious problem in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production areas with rainy harvest conditions. To explore the genetic control of PHS resistance, a population of 166 recombinant inbred lines from a cross between SHA3/CBRD and Naxos was evaluated in a total of eight field trials in Norway and China. PHS resistance was evaluated with both germination index (GI) and falling number (FN). A total of 15 PHS‐related quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected at chromosome arms 1RS, 2DL, 3BL, 4AL, 4BS, and 7BL. At 2DL and 3BL, QTLs for both GI and FN were detected in proximity to each other with PHS resistance from SHA3/CBRD, indicating a common genetic control of the two traits at these loci. At 4AL, a significant QTL for GI was detected with seed dormancy contributed by Naxos. Moreover, the Rht‐B1b dwarfing allele contributed by SHA3/CBRD showed a positive association with FN. On the other hand, QFN.nmbu‐1RS, carried by the 1BL.1RS translocation in SHA3/CBRD showed consistent negative effects on FN across all field trials where FN was measured. However, it did not have any notable effect on GI. The negative effect of QFN.nmbu‐1RS on FN was validated on a set of 113 wheat cultivars and breeding lines, where lines carrying the 1BL.1RS translocation showed significantly lower FN in 12 out of 14 independent field trials. The QTL and associated markers identified in this study will aid the breeding of more PHS‐resistant wheat cultivars.
A compact sub‐6 GHz band filtering patch antennae using step impedance resonators
Authors: Gnanamani Christina , Thomas Anita Jones Mary
Published: August 2024

This research study proposes a combined filter‐antenna design by employing stepped impedance resonator (SIR) techniques. The filtering antenna is designed around the unlicensed frequency band of 5.3 and 5.6 GHz. The filtenna realizes an insertion loss of −3.15 dB and return loss of −22 dB in the frequency band of 5.3 GHz and further −17.8 dB return loss in the 5.6‐GHz band. The developed filtenna achieves omni‐directional radiation pattern suitable for unlicensed applications with better selectivity and also results in low reflection loss. The observed voltage standing wave ratio is 1.6, and antenna gain is approximately 6.2 dBi in the 5.6‐GHz band. The simulation results obtained align consistently with real‐time measurements.
Functional measures and AD biomarkers among Hispanic and White non‐Hispanic older adults
Authors: Rodriguez Miriam J. , Mendoza Lisandra , Garcia Patricia , Duarte Andres , Padron Dilianna , Marsiske Michael , Fiala Jacob , Gonzalez Joanna , Duara Ranjan
Published: August 2024

INTRODUCTION

Poorer baseline functioning is associated with long‐term cognitive decline among Hispanic older adults, but little is known about associations of these factors with Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuroimaging biomarkers.

METHODS

A total of 461 Hispanic and White non‐Hispanic (NHW) older adults who are cognitively normal (n = 76), had impaired cognition without mild cognitive impairment (MCI) (n = 41), or carried a diagnosis of MCI (n = 253) or dementia (n = 91) completed neuropsychological and functional assessment, genetic testing, and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine predictive associations between functional and cognitive measures of AD neuroimaging biomarkers.

RESULTS

MRI volumes significantly predicted functional limitations in both groups. Sex and amyloid load significantly predicted functional limitations among the Hispanic group only. Years of education and MRI regional volume were the strongest predictors of cognition among both groups.

DISCUSSION

Results indicate that functional performance is associated with early AD biomarkers among Hispanic older adults. Clinical implications are discussed.

Highlights

The current study addresses health disparities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia assessment among Hispanics by identifying measures sensitive to early AD biomarkers.

Associations of functional measures with AD genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers revealed that similarities in these associations exist between Hispanic and White non‐Hispanic individuals, but biological sex and amyloid load significantly predicted functional limitations among the Hispanic group only.

These results have clinical implications for physicians who treat Hispanic AD patients and indicate that when compared to traditional diagnostic assessments, functional assessments may better aid in AD diagnostic precision among Hispanics.
Lactate threshold evaluation in swimming using a sweat lactate sensor: A prospective study
Authors: Okawara Hiroki , Sawada Tomonori , Nakashima Daisuke , Fujitsuka Haruki , Muramoto Yuki , Hinokuma Daigo , Oshikiri Yuta , Ishizaki Keisuke , Miki Jiro , Hara Reira , Sano Motoaki , Sato Kazuki , Nakamura Masaya , Nagura Takeo , Katsumata Yoshinori
Published: August 2024

Since assessing aerobic capacity is key to enhancing swimming performance, a simple and widely applicable technology should be developed. Therefore, we aimed to noninvasively visualize real‐time changes in sweat lactate (sLA) levels during swimming and investigate the relationship between lactate thresholds in sweat (sLT) and blood (bLT). This prospective study included 24 university swimmers (age: 20.7 s ± 1.8 years, 58% male) who underwent exercise tests at incremental speeds with or without breaks in a swimming flume to measure heart rate (HR), bLT, and sLT based on sLA levels using a waterproof wearable lactate sensor attached to the dorsal upper arm on two different days. The correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman methods were used to verify the similarities of the sLT with bLT and personal performance. In all tests, dynamic changes in sLA levels were continuously measured and projected onto the wearable device without delay, artifacts, or contamination. Following an initial minimal current response, with increasing speed the sLA levels increased substantially, coinciding with a continuous rise in HR. The speed at sLT strongly correlated with that at bLT (p < 0.01 and r = 0.824). The Bland–Altman plot showed a strong agreement (mean difference: 0.08 ± 0.1 m/s). This prospective study achieved real‐time sLA monitoring during swimming, even with vigorous movement. The sLT closely approximated bLT; both were subsequently validated for their relevance to performance.
Comparative Performance of Aqueous and Ionic Liquid‐Based Gel Electrolytes in Co(OH)2/rGO‐Based Supercapacitor
Authors: Lokhande Prasad Eknath , Kadam Vishal , Jagtap Chaitali , Mohite Dadaso D , Udayabhaskar Rednam , Thangavelu Perarasu V. , Qaid Saif M.H. , Anil Kumar
Published: August 2024

Supercapacitors are known for their highpower density and excellent cycling stability, but their practicality is often hindered by limited energy density and a narrow potential window. Herein, the energy density can be enhanced by modifying the electrode material and the potential window can be expanded through the use of ionic liquid (IL) electrolytes. In the present study, Co(OH)2/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) (Co‐G) nanocomposite electrodes was synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method while IL‐based electrolyte was used as an electrolyte for supercapacitor device fabrication. Morphological analysis reveals a porous honeycomb‐like nanostructure with a vertical orientation on the rGO sheet. Electrochemical analysis of the samples is conducted to assess electrode performance, with the Co‐G electrode achieving a capacitance of 2156 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. This electrode exhibits lower electrochemical resistance than pure Co(OH)2. The synthesized material's practicality evaluated in an asymmetric device Co‐G/C//AC/C using ionic gel and aqueous gel‐based electrolytes. IL‐based gel electrolyte device demonstrated superior performance, delivering an energy density of 130 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 3860 W kg−1, maintaining 91% capacitance after 5000 charge–discharge cycles, and outperforming the KOH/PVA gel‐based device, highlighting the advantages of ionic gel electrolytes.
CASPR2‐related epilepsy: A distinctive and unrecognized form of epilepsy in adult and elderly males
Authors: Michelucci Roberto , Pasini Elena , Riguzzi Patrizia , Tappatà Maria , Giannoccaro Maria Pia , Micalizzi Elisa , Lechiara Anastasia , Mattioli Pietro , Benedetti Luana , Villani Flavio
Published: August 2024

Objective

The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features of contactin‐associated protein‐like 2 (CASPR2)‐IgG‐associated seizures.

Methods

Nine patients were retrospectively collected from two epilepsy centers. For each patient we obtained a full clinical, neurophysiological, and MRI study along with detection of antineuronal autoantibodies from serum and CSF. The patients were followed up for 1–6 years.

Results

The patients were nine male subjects aged 56–85 years (mean: 66) with a 1‐ to 14‐year (mean: 6,3 median: 6) history of seizures. The seizures were classified as focal onset seizures with impaired awareness, usually preceded by epigastric aura (two), piloerection (two), olfactory hallucinations (two), nausea and dizziness (one). Tonic–clonic seizures were present in five patients. Seizure frequency was high in six cases and sporadic in three. Most patients reported memory impairment (eight) or behavioral/mood changes (four). Interictal EEGs usually showed bilateral or unilateral temporal epileptiform abnormalities. A number of seizures arising from the temporal lobes, with bilateral asynchronous onset, were recorded on long‐term video‐EEG monitoring in two patients. MRI disclosed nonspecific white matter T2 hyperintensities suggestive of chronic vascular changes in four patients and bilateral T2‐FLAIR amygdalo‐hippocampal hyperintensity in three cases. Neuropsychological study demonstrated various degrees of cognitive impairment in the majority of cases. Increased titers of CASPR2 autoantibodies were detected in the serum and CSF, which persisted over time in four cases. Drug resistance to common anti‐seizure medications was present in seven cases who benefited from immunotherapy.

Significance

CASPR2‐IgG testing should be performed among old male patients with a recent or even not recent onset of focal seizures with impaired awareness particularly when these seizures are accompanied by cognitive impairment or behavioral disturbances. In these cases, anti‐seizure medications may be ineffective while immunotherapy may lead to a prompt improvement of seizures and cognitive deficits.
The effects of kiwifruit consumption on anthropometric and cardiometabolic indices in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pam Pedram , Goudarzi Mohammad Ali , Ghotboddin Mohammadi Shirin , Asbaghi Omid , Aghakhani Ladan , Clark Cain C. T. , Hashempur Mohammad Hashem , Haghighat Neda
Published: August 2024

The current systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of kiwifruit intake on anthropometric indices and key cardiometabolic parameters. Related articles were found by searching PubMed, ISI Web of Science, and Scopus to detect relevant Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) and novel systematic reviews relating to kiwi consumption in adults, up to August 2023. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random‐effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias were assessed and reported using standard methods. Six RCTs were included in the meta‐analysis. Analyzing overall effect sizes demonstrated a significant reduction in low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels (WMD: −9.30 mg/dL; 95% CI: −17.56 to −1.04, p = .027), whereas no significant alterations of triglycerides (TG) (WMD: −12.91 mg/dL; 95% CI: −28.17 to 2.34, p = .097), total cholesterol (TC) (WMD: −7.66 mg/dL; 95% CI: −17.85 to 2.52, p = .141), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) (WMD: 2.87 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.36 to 6.11, p = .141), fasting blood glucose (FBG) (WMD: 1.06 mg/dL; 95% CI: −1.43 to 3.56, p = .404), C‐reactive protein (CRP) (WMD: 0.15 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.40, 0.70, p = .0598), body weight (BW) (WMD: 0.85 kg; 95% CI: −1.34 to 3.04, p = .448), body mass index (BMI) (WMD: 0.04 kg/m2; 95% CI: −0.75 to 0.83, p = .920), and waist circumference (WC) (WMD: 0.18 cm; 95% CI: −1.81 to 2.19, p = .855) were found. Our findings suggest that consuming kiwifruit does not have a significant impact on anthropometric indices and cardiometabolic factors, except for LDL‐C levels.
Ultrasound‐assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from Moringa oleifera leaves for beef patties preservation: Antioxidant and inhibitory activities, half‐life, and sensory attributes
Authors: Al‐Baidhani A. M. S. , Hashim Alia Z. , Al‐Qutaifi Haider K. , Al‐Hilphy Asaad R. , Waseem Muhammad , Madilo Felix Kwashie , Manzoor Muhammad Faisal
Published: August 2024

This study aims to examine employing ultrasound‐assisted extraction of bioactive components from Moringa oleifera leaves and apply them in beef patties preservation, as well as antioxidant and inhibitory activities and sensory qualities. The study included studying the chemical content and minerals of the M. oleifera leaves, preparation of aqueous and alcoholic extracts using an ultrasound device, then exploring the extraction yield. The results proved that the extraction yield by ultrasound using ethanol at 80% was the highest, reaching 19.22%. The total phenols in the ultrasonic extract with moringa leaves aqueous extract (AMEUS) amounted to 120,755 mg/mL. Since the AMEUS exhibited the highest value of 68.308 mg/mL calic acid – eight phenolic compounds discovered by HPLC – the total content of flavonoids was also calculated. The inhibitory and antioxidant effects of moringa leaf extracts are well documented. We monitored the changes in chemical indicators, such as the value of peroxide and thiobarbituric acid, as well as the percentage of free fatty acids and physical characteristics, such as water‐carrying capacity, pH, and pigments, for storage periods 0, 4, 8, and 12 days after adding AMEUS to beef patties at a concentration of 0.5%. The patties were kept under refrigeration at 4 ± 1°C during this time. The values of peroxide number, thiobarbituric acid, free fatty acid, and metmyoglobin pigment were decreased in the beef patties treated with the AMEUS. However, they increased continuously during the cryopreservation period, and there was a significant increase in water‐holding capacity (WHC) when the beef patties were treated with AMEUS. The results also showed that adding AMEUS to beef patties improved their qualitative characteristics.
Mathematical analysis of a mesoscale model for multiphase membranes
Authors: Fuchs Jakob , Röger Matthias
Published: August 2024

In this article, we introduce a mesoscale continuum model for membranes made of two different types of amphiphilic lipids. The model extends work by Peletier and the second author (Arch. Ration. Mech. Anal. 193, 2009) for the one‐phase case. We present a mathematical analysis of the asymptotic reduction to the macroscale when a key length parameter becomes arbitrarily small. We identify two main contributions in the energy: one that can be connected to bending of the overall structure and a second that describes the cost of the internal phase separations. We prove the ‐convergence towards a perimeter functional for the phase separation energy and construct, in two dimensions, recovery sequences for the convergence of the full energy towards a 2D reduction of the Jülicher–Lipowsky bending energy with a line tension contribution for phase separated hypersurfaces.
Brain activations elicited during task‐switching generalize beyond the task: A partial least squares correlation approach to combine fMRI signals and cognition
Authors: Skolasinska Paulina , Qin Shuo , Voss Michelle , Lee Hyun Kyu , Basak Chandramallika
Published: August 2024

An underlying hypothesis for broad transfer from cognitive training is that the regional brain signals engaged during the training task are related to the transfer tasks. However, it is unclear whether the brain activations elicited from a specific cognitive task can generalize to performance of other tasks, esp. in normal aging where cognitive training holds much promise. In this large dual‐site functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we aimed to characterize the neurobehavioral correlates of task‐switching in normal aging and examine whether the task‐switching‐related fMRI‐blood‐oxygen‐level‐dependent (BOLD) signals, engaged during varieties of cognitive control, generalize to other tasks of executive control and general cognition. We therefore used a hybrid blocked and event‐related fMRI task‐switching paradigm to investigate brain regions associated with multiple types of cognitive control on 129 non‐demented older adults (65–85 years). This large dataset provided a unique opportunity for a data‐driven partial least squares–correlation approach to investigate the generalizability of multiple fMRI‐BOLD signals associated with task‐switching costs to other tasks of executive control, general cognition, and demographic characteristics. While some fMRI signals generalized beyond the scanned task, others did not. Results indicate right middle frontal brain activation as detrimental to task‐switching performance, whereas inferior frontal and caudate activations were related to faster processing speed during the fMRI task‐switching, but activations of these regions did not predict performance on other tasks of executive control or general cognition. However, BOLD signals from the right lateral occipital cortex engaged during the fMRI task positively predicted performance on a working memory updating task, and BOLD signals from the left post‐central gyrus that were disengaged during the fMRI task were related to slower processing speed in the task as well as to lower general cognition. Together, these results suggest generalizability of these BOLD signals beyond the scanned task. The findings also provided evidence for the general slowing hypothesis of aging as most variance in the data were explained by low processing speed and global low BOLD signal in older age. As processing speed shared variance with task‐switching and other executive control tasks, it might be a possible basis of generalizability between these tasks. Additional results support the dedifferentiation hypothesis of brain aging, as right middle frontal activations predicted poorer task‐switching performance. Overall, we observed that the BOLD signals related to the fMRI task not only generalize to the performance of other executive control tasks, but unique brain predictors of out‐of‐scanner performance can be identified.
The computational and neural substrates of individual differences in impulsivity under loss framework
Authors: Jiang Keying , Zhao Guang , Feng Qian , Guan Shunping , Im Hohjin , Zhang Bin , Wang Pinchun , Jia Xuji , Zhu Haidong , Zhu Ye , Wang He , Wang Qiang
Published: August 2024

Numerous neuroimaging studies have identified significant individual variability in intertemporal choice, often attributed to three neural mechanisms: (1) increased reward circuit activity, (2) decreased cognitive control, and (3) prospection ability. These mechanisms that explain impulsivity, however, have been primarily studied in the gain domain. This study extends this investigation to the loss domain. We employed a hierarchical Bayesian drift‐diffusion model (DDM) and the inter‐subject representational similarity approach (IS‐RSA) to investigate the potential computational neural substrates underlying impulsivity in loss domain across two experiments (n = 155). These experiments utilized a revised intertemporal task that independently manipulated the amounts of immediate and delayed‐loss options. Behavioral results demonstrated positive correlations between the drift rate, measured by the DDM, and the impulsivity index K in Exp. 1 (n = 97) and were replicated in Exp. 2 (n = 58). Imaging analyses further revealed that the drift rate significantly mediated the relations between brain properties (e.g., prefrontal cortex activations and gray matter volume in the orbitofrontal cortex and precuneus) and K in Exp. 1. IS‐RSA analyses indicated that variability in the drift rate also mediated the associations between inter‐subject variations in activation patterns and individual differences in K. These findings suggest that individuals with similar impulsivity levels are likely to exhibit similar value processing patterns, providing a potential explanation for individual differences in impulsivity within a loss framework.
Relational spirals and thriving: A longitudinal investigation of older workers
Authors: Amarnani Rajiv K. , Huang Miaojia , Bordia Prashant , Sykes‐Bridge Imogen , Garcia Patrick Raymund James M.
Published: August 2024

Thriving is believed to occur when employees feel a sense of progress and momentum in the organization. This conceptual basis for thriving is inherently temporal—implying an underlying individual change process—which sets thriving apart from other well‐being criteria in the Human Resource Management literature. However, surprisingly little research has demonstrated and unpacked the change and development processes that lead to thriving. In this article, we develop and test a theoretical model of the dynamic origins of thriving in a socially important context: the aging workforce. Specifically, we propose that older workers thrive when they experience relational spirals: a deepening of the employee‐organization relationship as psychological contracts and role expansion drive each other in a mutually reinforcing spiral. Results from a large‐scale nationally representative longitudinal study of 3370 Australian older workers—spanning 1.5 years and three time points—support the proposed model. Older workers' relational psychological contracts and role expansion formed a mutually reinforcing spiral process over time which ultimately led to higher levels of thriving. These results held even after imposing autoregressive control of lagged variables at earlier time points, and after accounting for the contributions of transactional psychological contracts to the spiral process. Our theorizing and empirical approach brings dynamic processes to the forefront of HR research on thriving, and points to implications for the role of HR in successful aging.
Robust phase extraction from complex signals/fringe patterns for optical communications in 5G and beyond through continuous wavelet ridge technique
Authors: Haridas Divya , Singh Jyoti , Jayasingh J. Roopa , Deepa D. , Ramya K. C. , Tharkar Ankush D.
Published: August 2024

The rapid progress in high‐precision optical instruments necessitates sophisticated image processing techniques for extracting vital information from generated images. Most of these instruments output images comprising RGB pixels. Deciphering these pixel values into phase information poses a significant challenge, especially in the presence of background noise. This study focuses on utilizing Two‐Dimensional Continuous Wavelet Transforms (2‐D CWT) for analyzing fringe patterns with varying noise levels and fringe alignments, crucial for high‐precision optical systems pivotal in enhancing the performance and reliability of optical communication systems in advanced 5G networks. The simulation results demonstrate that 2‐D CWT efficiently extracts phase information from complex and highly noisy fringes while requiring less computational time. Furthermore, the algorithm effectively handles noise disturbances with a commendable degree of accuracy, ensuring robust performance in 5G‐enabled optical systems critical for supporting ultra‐high‐speed data transmission and low‐latency communication requirements. This research contributes to optimizing image analysis techniques for 5G optical systems, facilitating their integration into next‐generation communication networks.
RAFT copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate in a hexylpyridinium ionic liquid
Authors: Madrid Ludhovik Luiz , Perez Ser John Lynon , Arco Susan
Published: August 2024

Smart polymers undergo significant physical or chemical changes in response to stimuli like temperature and pH. Achieving a narrow molecular weight distribution is crucial for their sensitivity. Reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) in ionic liquids is an effective method for synthesizing such polymers due to its favorable kinetics and environmental benefits. Most studies use imidazolium ionic liquids, while pyridinium ionic liquids are less common despite their easy synthesis. This study reports the first successful RAFT copolymerization of di(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (DEGMEMA) and methyl methacrylate in N‐hexylpyridinium hexafluorophosphate ([HPY][PF6]). Both linear and hyperbranched copolymers (Mn > 25,000) with narrow molecular weight distribution were synthesized, showing observable temperature responses and biocompatibility. The linear copolymers had a desirable dispersity (Ð) of less than 1.10, while the hyperbranched copolymer had a Ð of 2.034. The lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) of the copolymers were close to or below the LCST of PDEGMEMA (26°C). This study indicates that pyridinium ionic liquids can be explored as a suitable solvent for synthesizing methacrylate‐based smart polymers.
Validation of the comprehensive assessment of acceptance and commitment therapy processes for youth: The CompACT‐Y
Authors: Morey Alex , Samuel Victoria , Lewis Matthew , Williams Marc
Published: August 2024

Background

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic approach which aims to increase psychological flexibility. Higher psychological flexibility has been associated with reduced psychological distress, mental health symptoms and improvements in well‐being and functioning. Reviews of ACT for children and young people (CYP) indicate it shows potential as an effective treatment for a range of difficulties, however a comprehensive measure of psychological flexibility processes does not exist for CYP. Following revision of the adult Comprehensive assessment of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Processes (CompACT), through cognitive interviewing with adolescents and consultation with ACT experts, the present study aimed to assess the factor structure and validity of the revised youth measure (the CompACT‐Y).

Method

The CompACT‐Y measure was administered alongside measures of ACT processes, mental health and well‐being to 334 young people across six UK schools, to assess for convergent and concurrent validity.

Results

Exploratory factor analysis indicated a 19‐item three‐factor structure was the most stable, with all items loading above 0.50. The CompACT‐Y correlated with measures of psychological flexibility (r = ‐0.64 – 0.66), mental health (r = −0.58 – −0.66), well‐being (r = 0.57–0.65) and behaviour (r = −0.63) as expected, indicating acceptable convergent and concurrent validity.

Conclusions

The CompACT‐Y appears to be a valid and reliable measure of psychological flexibility in young people. Further research is needed to replicate the findings and confirm factor structure, validity and reliability, particularly in younger adolescents and those from diverse backgrounds. The CompACT‐Y offers a promising tool to improve the methodological rigour of ACT studies in young people, and has implications for the use of ACT in clinical practice.
Characterization of sperm morphology in two species of Neotropical bats: Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos (Phyllostomidae, Chiroptera)
Authors: Dip Ana Sofía , Martín Eduardo , Hernández Marcela Beatriz , Miotti María Daniela
Published: August 2024

Sperm morphology is considered the best indicator of male fertility. In Neotropical bats, important aspects of sperm morphology have been scantly studied. The aim of the present study was to characterize and compare the sperm morphology and morphometry of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos. A total of 11 specimens were analyzed from the Colección de Mamíferos Lillo: five A. planirostris and six S. erythromos. The fixed epididymis were extracted and macerated in Farmer's solution, followed by the routine cytological procedure with different stains. To carry out the description and morphometric analysis, microphotographs were taken under an optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscope. A total of 50 sperm from each individual were measured for morphometric analysis. The percentage of normal/abnormal spermatozoa was estimated and the sperm abnormalities were classified. Both species showed morphologically simple spermatozoa with a spatulate head, a short neck, a helical midpiece and a tail that tapers at the final end, similar to other species of Phyllostomidae. The differences observed were: apex of the head was conical in A. planirostris and was oval in S. erythromos; longer head and midpiece in S. erythomos and longer sperm in A. planirostris. Both species showed a high percentage of sperm with normal appearance: 65% for A. planirostris and 72% for S. erythromos. The main sperm abnormalities were: scattered tails and heads, coiled tails, folded midpieces and presence of cytoplasmic droplets. The present work will improve the understanding of their reproductive biology.

Research Highlights

Morphological descriptions and morphometric analyses of the sperm of Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira erythromos were carried out with optical, epifluorescence and scanning electron microscopy.