bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Link between psychiatric symptoms and cognition
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

Researchers have found both positive and negative associations between mental symptom severity and general cognition. Prior studies showed mixed findings. But this study, by noting that the associations were nonlinear, reconciled those prior studies, which assumed that symptom severity tracked with cognitive ability. In fact, the association between cognition and symptoms may be the opposite in low vs. high symptom severity samples. The study shows that it's necessary to use clinical information in studies of cognitive impairment. Because mental illnesses are a leading cause of disability, and cognitive impairments often play a role across psychiatric disorders. The researchers wanted to determine if the association between general cognition and mental health symptoms diverges at different symptom severities in children. For the study, researchers used the ongoing Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to assess 5175 children at ages 9 to 11 years. They evaluated aggregate cognitive test scores (general cognition) in relation to total and subscale‐specific symptoms reported from the Child Behavioral Checklist. Linear models showed differing associations between general cognition and mental health symptoms, depending on the range of symptom severities queried. Nonlinear models confirm that internalizing symptoms were significantly positively associated with cognition at low symptom burdens and significantly negatively associated with cognition at more severe symptoms. [Pines, A., Tozzi, L., Bertrand, C., et al. (2024, Dec). Psychiatric symptoms, cognition, and symptom severity in children. JAMA Psychiatry, 81(12), 1236–1245. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.2399.]
Chiral N‐Alkylfluorenyl‐Substituted N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes in the Gold(I)‐Catalyzed Enantioselective Cycloisomerization of 1,6‐Enynes
Authors: Heinrich Robin , Marie‐Rose Giovany , Gourlaouen Christophe , Pale Patrick , Brenner Eric , Blanc Aurélien
Published: February 2025

A series of chiral A*Flu‐NHC‐gold(I) complexes, where A*Flu‐NHC is an N‐heterocyclic carbene (imidazolin‐2‐ylidene or benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene) bearing a chiral 9‐alkyl‐9‐fluorenyl N‐substituent and a 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl or benzyl N’‐substituent, were straightforwardly prepared in few steps from readily available 2,6‐diisopropylamine, imidazole or benzimidazole. The chirality of the N‐substituent lies in the presence of a chiral alcoholic alkyl chain on the fluorenyl, which results from the opening of commercially available chiral styrene oxide, yielding to a 2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylethyl or a 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethyl group. Four [AuCl(A*Flu‐NHC)] complexes were tested as precatalysts in an enantioselective cycloisomerization of a 1,6‐enyne. Notably, the best inductions were observed with the benzimidazolin‐2‐ylidene derivative bearing a 2‐hydroxy‐1‐phenylethyl group on the fluorenyl ring, showing that a constrained rotation around the N−Cfluorenyl bond and a chiral center in α position of the fluorenyl ring are determining factors. Interestingly, a strong improvement of the induction with up to 72 % ee was observed using AgOTf as activator. The presence of a hydrogen bond between the hydroxyl group and OTf− in the in situ generated active cationic gold(I) species probably stiffens its structure. This type of ligand‐counteranion interaction represents a novel strategy for optimizing chirality transfer in asymmetric gold(I) catalysis.
Recent Advances on Organic Scintillators with High Exciton Utilization Efficiency for X‐Ray Scintillation and Imaging
Authors: Zhang He , Tan Yao , Gong Shaolong
Published: February 2025

Organic scintillators have rapidly emerged in recent years for X‐ray scintillation and imaging, benefiting from their inherent advantages of abundant raw materials, low‐temperature processing, high mechanical flexibility, and easy of large‐scale fabrication. However, conventional organic scintillators suffer from weak X‐ray absorption and inefficient exciton utilization, limiting their commercial viability. To overcome these challenges, new‐generation organic scintillators have recently been developed with innovative emission mechanisms to ensure exciton utilization efficiency and the incorporation of heavy atoms to improve X‐ray absorption. In recent years, these advancements have led to remarkable progress in high‐performance X‐ray scintillation and imaging. Here, we present a concept article on new‐generation organic scintillators with high exciton utilization efficiency, focusing on molecular design, emission mechanisms, scintillation performance, and X‐ray imaging applications. We also discuss future development trends in organic X‐ray scintillators.
Study of a novel micro‐cyclonic air flotation device for enhanced oil removal from wastewater
Authors: Yan Zhong , Zhu Xiaoli , Liu Pengfei , Lv Rui , Dai Xinhe , Song Guosheng , Wang Zhenbo
Published: February 2025

As global oilfields advance into mid‐to‐late development stages, the produced fluids contain increasingly high water content, leading to substantial wastewater volumes. Existing oily wastewater treatment systems face challenges in meeting stricter discharge standards. To address this issue, this work proposes a micro‐cyclonic air flotation separator that integrates cyclonic and flotation technologies to enhance oil removal efficiency. An experimental setup was designed to systematically investigate the effects of structural and operational parameters on bubble formation and oil removal in a DN100 single‐tube micro‐cyclonic flotation device. Key operational parameters were selected, and structural parameters were optimized to support the development of a compact, high‐efficiency separator for oily wastewater treatment. The experimental results revealed that increasing dissolved air pressure reduces mean bubble size, increases bubble number density, and raises gas holdup. Conversely, as air flow rate increases, the mean bubble size grows, the number density initially rises before decreasing, and gas holdup follows a similar trend. Optimal structural parameters were determined, under which the device demonstrated excellent oil removal performance across an oil concentration range of 200–1000 mg/L, achieving a maximum removal efficiency of 85.69%.
GDF15 Analogues Acting as GFRAL Ligands
Authors: Di Santo Andrea , Tarchi Livio , Villa Gianluca , Castellini Giovanni , Ricca Valdo , Squecco Roberta , Papini Anna Maria , Real‐Fernandez Feliciana , Rovero Paolo
Published: February 2025

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a TGF‐β superfamily member involved in diverse physiological and pathological processes. It is expressed in various tissues and its circulating levels rise during exercise, aging, pregnancy, and conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infections. The biological activities of GDF15, including anorexia and cachexia, are primarily mediated through the GFRAL receptor, localized in the brainstem and functioning via RET co‐receptor recruitment. This signaling is crucial for energy homeostasis and nausea induction. Recent studies suggest a broader GFRAL distribution, potentially explaining GDF15′s distinct roles. These findings sparked interest in leveraging GDF15‐GFRAL pathways for therapeutic development. Two primary strategies include GDF15 analogues as GFRAL agonists for obesity treatment and GDF15‐derived peptides as antagonists to counteract cancer‐induced cachexia and related disorders. This review highlights advancements in understanding GDF15‐GFRAL signaling and its implications, summarizing bioactive GDF15‐derived molecules, their pharmacological applications, and offering insights into novel treatment avenues for GDF15‐associated conditions.
Geometrical and Electronic Structure of Fluorinated and Non‐Fluorinated Platinum(II) Tetraphenylporphyrin Complexes
Authors: Kurochkin Ivan Yu. , Giricheva Nina I. , Ol'shevskaya Valentina A. , Zaitsev Andrey V. , Girichev Georgiy V. , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: February 2025

The composition of the saturated vapors of two platinum complexes with the macrocyclic ligands 5,10,15,20‐tetraphenylporphyrin (PtTPP) and 5,10,15,20‐tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (PtTF5PP) and their structures were determined by synchronous gas‐phase electron diffraction/mass spectrometry (GED/MS). These porphyrin complexes are those with the heaviest metal atom in the coordination cavity that have been structurally investigated in the gas phase. The mass spectra confirm the presence of a single molecular form of each, PtTPP (T=629 K) and PtTF5PP (T=597 K). Their structures can serve as references for related complexes in the crystalline state or solutions. Differences between the geometries of PtTPP and PtTF5PP in the crystalline and gaseous states include a significant deformation of the tetrapyrrole macrocycle in solid PtTPP. The experimental Pt−N bond lengths of both complexes are in agreement with quantum chemical calculations (DFT/B97D/ECP(Pt)) taking into account relativistic effects. The effect of lanthanide contraction is evident from the similarity of the Pd−N and Pt−N internuclear distances of analogous compounds. The strong electron density transfer from the porphyrin backbone to the metal ion and the resulting low effective positive charge on the platinum atom, studied by NBO and QTAIM methods, helps to rationalize the high catalytic activity of such platinum compounds.
Conserved cis‐acting motifs and localization of MFT2 transcripts and MFT2 protein in barley and rice
Authors: Utsugi Shigeko , Kawahigashi Hiroyuki , Tagiri Akemi , Kikuchi Rie , Mishina Kohei , Morishige Hiromi , Nakamura Shingo
Published: February 2025

Pre‐harvest sprouting, in which grain germinates while still on the spikes, causes substantial yield and quality losses, particularly in regions where the rainy season and harvest times overlap. Breeders have used a natural mutation in the A‐box motif in the promoter of wheat (Triticum aestivum) MFT2 gene on chromosome 3A (TaMFT‐3A) to prevent pre‐harvest sprouting in wheat cultivars in East Asia. Here, we examined the barley (Hordeum vulgare) and rice (Oryza sativa) orthologs of TaMFT‐3A. RNA in situ hybridization showed that the rice and barley orthologs are primarily expressed in the scutellum, indicating that these three MFT2 genes have a common expression pattern during seed development. Analysis of the cis‐acting regulatory elements of their promoter sequences showed that the promoters share eight seed‐specific cis‐acting RY motifs and a binding site for B3‐domain transcription factors, the main regulators of seed development. Moreover, we found tandemly repeated A‐box motifs in the promoters of TaMFT on chromosomes 3B and 3D, but a single motif on chromosome 3A, possibly explaining why the A‐box motif mutation in TaMFT‐3A increases dormancy. Our immunohistochemical observations of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged MFT2 in transgenic rice plants detected rice MFT2 (OsMFT2)‐GFP in the scutellum and the scutellar epithelium, which is an important tissue for initiating germination. These findings improve our understanding of the role of MFT2, providing information for reducing pre‐harvest sprouting in cereals.
Research Status and Development Trend of Greenhouse Gas in Wetlands: A Bibliometric Visualization Analysis
Authors: Zhu Gege , Wang Yan , Huang Anshu , Qin Yingying
Published: February 2025

With the intensification of global warming, wetland greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have attracted worldwide attention. However, the scientific understanding of wetland GHGs is still limited. To gain a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the current research status and development trends in wetland GHGs. We selected 1627 papers related to wetland GHG research from the Web of Science Core Collection database and used the bibliometric visualization analysis method to reveal the annual publication, main core research forces, research hotspots, and trends in this field. The results showed that the research in this field shows a steady upward trend. United States research institutions and scholars play a key role in this field. The research on “climate change” based on three major wetland GHGs (carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O)) has been continuously gaining popularity. In recent years, “water” has become an emerging core topic. More and more studies have focused on enhancing wetland pollutant treatment capacity, improving wetland ecosystem productivity, maintaining water level stability, strengthening blue carbon sink function, exploring remote sensing applications in wetlands, and promoting wetland restoration to reduce GHG emissions. Furthermore, we discussed the influencing factors of the emission of CO2, CH4, and N2O in wetlands and summarized the potential methods to reduce GHG emissions. The findings provide scientific guidance and reference on wetland sustainable development and GHG emission reduction.
Intraspecific scaling of home range size and its bioenergetic association
Authors: Byrnes Evan E. , Hounslow Jenna L. , Heim Vital , White Clemency E. , Smukall Matthew J. , Beatty Stephen J. , Gleiss Adrian C.
Published: February 2025

Home range size and metabolic rate of animals are theorized to scale in relation to body mass with similar exponents. This expectation has only been indirectly tested using lab‐derived estimates of basal metabolic rate as proxies for field energy requirements. Therefore, it is unclear if existing theory aligns with observed patterns of home range scaling since field metabolic rates may scale differently than basal metabolic rates. We conducted the first direct field test of the relationship between home range and metabolic rate allometry. Using acoustic telemetry, we simultaneously measured the home range sizes and field metabolic rates of lemon sharks (Negaprion brevirostris) spanning one order of magnitude in body mass and compared the allometric scaling exponents of these traits. Similarity between allometric scaling exponents confirmed an expected strong association between metabolic rate and home range size. However, a nonsignificant but negative association between standard metabolic rate (SMR) and home range size suggests a complex relationship between metabolism and home range, contrasting previous assumptions of a positive relationship. Nevertheless, an overall positive association between home range size and total metabolic rate persisted, driven by a strong association between active energy expenditure and home range size. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between energetics and home range size, emphasizing the need for additional direct field investigations and the potential for modern tagging technologies to gather relevant data.
Pre‐Season Energy Deficiency Predicts Poorer Performance During a Competitive Season in Collegiate Female Long‐Distance Runners
Authors: Lundstrom Emily Ann , Williams Nancy I. , Allaway Heather C. M. , Salamunes Ana Carla Chierighini , Souza Mary Jane De
Published: February 2025

Female distance runners are at a high risk for chronic energy deficiency (ED). ED during predominantly high‐volume and/or high‐intensity training phases may compromise performance. The relationship between pre‐season energy status and running performance in female runners across a season is unclear. To test if energy status as defined by resting metabolic rate ratio (RMRratio) is associated with running performance, female collegiate distance runners (18–25 yr; n = 38) were assessed across 10–12 wks. Energy status, body composition, and 5 km time trial (measure of performance) were assessed pre‐ and post‐competitive season. Runners were categorized at baseline based on pre‐season measured‐to‐Cunningham1991‐predicted RMRratio: metabolically suppressed (SUP: RMRratio < 0.92, n = 12) and energy replete (NSUP: RMRratio ≥ 0.92, n = 26). Repeated measures ANOVA tested effects of pre‐season RMRratio groups, time, and group*time on performance. Linear regression analysis tested whether factors (body composition or total triiodothyronine, TT3) predicted performance across the season. Twenty‐one runners (19.6 ± 0.2 yr, 20.2 ± 0.4 kg/m2) completed pre‐ and post‐season performance runs. Groups had similar body mass, body mass index, percent body fat, and lean body mass. ANOVA revealed a significant group effect of RMRratio on running performance, but no effect of time or group*time. SUP had slower 5 km time trial performance compared to NSUP (22.4 vs. 20.4 min, p = 0.04). Controlling for post‐season VO2max, pre‐season TT3 predicted post‐season 5 km times (R2 = 0.614, p = 0.001). Pre‐season energy deficient female runners exhibited poorer running performance during a collegiate competitive season compared to pre‐season energy replete runners. Early detection of metabolic compensation in runners may be necessary for optimal performance across a competitive season.
Hygroscopic cycle for enhanced water efficiency in thermal power plants
Authors: Ríos‐Fernández Juan Carlos , Fernández‐Pacheco Víctor Manuel , Manfredi Alessia , Rubio‐Serrano Francisco Javier , Gutiérrez‐Trashorras Antonio José
Published: February 2025

This article presents a methodology for calculating the potential for water savings when replacing the Rankine cycle with the hygroscopic cycle in power plants. The savings were analyzed in thermal power plants with different generating units (diesel, gas, steam, and combined cycle), different cooling systems (seawater open cycle, adiabatic cooling, and cooling tower), and in different climatic zones. The results indicated a maximum average saving of 1.83 m3/MWh. The considerable water savings serve to reinforce the case for the implementation of HCT, particularly in regions characterized by arid climates and water scarcity. A reduction in water consumption, coupled with the prevention of the return of hot water to sensitive ecosystems, can serve as effective mitigation strategies for environmental problems. Moreover, the minimal water consumption required for this process makes it feasible to construct thermal power plants and generate electricity in regions with limited water resources. The HCT approach facilitates the generation of energy in regions previously deemed unsuitable for thermal power plants, thereby representing a significant advancement in economic and developmental terms for these areas.
Prognostic Factors for Free Flap Failure in Head and Neck Reconstruction
Authors: Hennocq Quentin , Caruhel Jean‐Baptiste , Benassarou Mourad , Bouaoud Jebrane , Chaine André , Girod Angélique , Graillon Nicolas , Testelin Sylvie , Amor‐Sahli Mélika , Foy Jean‐Philippe , Bertolus Chloé
Published: February 2025

Background

The failure rate of free flaps varies from 0.8% to 10.6% in the literature in head and neck reconstruction. The primary objective was to identify prognostic factors for free flap failure.

Methods

We prospectively included all consecutive free flaps performed between August 2021 and January 2024, and used a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

We included 307 free flaps, performed on 274 patients. Age, cardiovascular risk, radiotherapy history, type of flap, type of arterial anastomosis, and ischemia duration were not statistically linked to the risk of flap failure. In multivariate analysis, a venous anastomosis to the anterior jugular vein or to the superior thyroid vein were associated with an increased risk of flap failure, such as per‐ or postoperative revision of the anastomoses.

Conclusions

The choice of venous anastomosis, appear to have a greater influence on the success or failure of a microvascularized transfer than patient characteristics.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Serum Golgi Protein 73 in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus‐Associated Acute‐on‐Chronic Liver Failure
Authors: Xu Zheng‐ju , Xu Tao , Ye Qiao‐xia , Li Yong‐fei , Yang Tian‐huang , Zhang Xiao‐man , Lin Hui , Liu Hui‐guo , Huang Zhi‐jie , Shen Jian‐kun
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

The prognosis and severity of hepatitis B virus‐associated acute‐on‐chronic liver failure (HBV‐ACLF) cannot be well‐identified by serum biomarkers. The present study aims to determine the role of serum Golgi protein 73 (GP73) in predicting the prognosis and severity of liver necrotizing inflammation induced by HBV‐ACLF.

Methods

A total of 427 chronic HBV‐infected patients were included for the present study. Among these patients, 179 patients had chronic hepatitis B (CHB), 96 patients had HBV‐related liver cirrhosis (LC), and 152 patients had HBV‐ACLF. The baseline and dynamic changes in serum GP73 levels were measured and compared in CHB, LC and HBV‐ACLF patients.

Results

The serum GP73 levels were significantly greater in HBV‐ACLF patients when compared to CHB and LC patients. Furthermore, serum GP73 demonstrated excellent performance in distinguishing HBV‐ACLF from CHB and LC, with an area under the curve of 0.969 and 0.824, respectively. In the logistic regression analysis, a high GP73 level was identified as an independent risk factor associated with death within 3 months, and the optimal cut‐off level was 274.59 ng/mL. The serum GP73 levels significantly decreased and remained stable at approximately 6 months for survivors.

Conclusion

Serum GP73 may serve as a valuable biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis prediction of HBV‐ACLF patients.
Awe and aesthetics: Conundrums of creation and consumption
Authors: Hagtvedt Henrik
Published: February 2025

Prior scholarship characterizes awe as an aesthetic emotion, and the rich and growing aesthetics literature can help illuminate the role of awe in consumer psychology. The current commentary draws on this literature, as well as Keltner's conceptual analysis of awe, to highlight findings and remaining questions pertaining to awe in the realm of consumption. Marketing activities such as branding and promotion, store design, and product development present opportunities to awe consumers, yet awesome consumption experiences are rare. The current work discusses characteristics of awe‐inspiring products and brands, the tendency of awe to increase or decrease consumption, relevant individual differences between consumers, and the nature and evolutionary background of awe and aesthetics.
Longitudinal assessment of cerebral infarcts and small vessel disease using magnetic resonance imaging in antiphospholipid syndrome: A single‐centre retrospective study
Authors: Tan Yishi , Doyle Andrew J. , Kumar Jayant , Somerville Peter , Faruqi Uzma , Danaee Anicee , Luo Pu‐Lin , Hunt Beverley J. , Breen Karen A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Stroke is the most frequent arterial thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) with high rates of recurrence.

Methods and patients

A retrospective, single‐centre 10‐year review of patients with APS having sequential cerebral magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to describe ischaemic features in APS and associated disease risk factors and progression over time.

Results

A total of 120 patients and 307 scans were included with 67% of patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKA). Note that 65% of patients had baseline ischaemic features with white matter hyperintensities (WMH), as a feature of small vessel disease (SVD), seen in 79% of abnormal scans. Fifteen percent of patients had progressive ischaemic changes with 83% demonstrating progressive WMH and 33% new infarcts (predominantly lacunar) on sequential scans. Progression‐free survival for progressive ischaemia was 88% at 5 years. Multivariate analysis showed longer follow‐up was a risk for developing progressive ischaemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13–1.86, p = 0.005). Hypertension (56% vs. 30%, p = 0.04) and ischaemic heart disease (22% vs. 6%, p = 0.04) were more prevalent with progressive ischaemia. There was no difference in progression or bleeding events according to VKA therapeutic intensity.

Discussion

These results show SVD is a common feature of APS using MRI with progressive changes despite anticoagulation. Traditional risk factors for cerebrovascular disease were associated with progression.
Anticoagulation control of warfarin in anticoagulation medication therapy adherence clinics
Authors: Mazlan‐Kepli Wardati , Mohamed Sahimi , Nik‐Ismail Nik‐Azlean , R‐Nagarajah Jivanraj ,   Clinical Pharmacy Working Committee (Cardiology Subspecialty), Pharmaceutical Services Programme, Ministry of Health Malaysia
Published: February 2025

Background

Warfarin therapy remains essential in anticoagulation management and its quality is measured by the time in therapeutic range (TTR). In Malaysia, some healthcare centres provide the Anticoagulation Medication Therapy Adherence Clinic (ACMTAC) service for warfarin management, which is managed by pharmacists.

Aim

To evaluate overall TTR and to analyse the occurrence of thromboembolic and bleeding complications in warfarin patients.

Method

This cross‐sectional, retrospective cohort study included patients who received warfarin treatment over a 3‐year period (2019–2021). Data were collected from 49 healthcare centres in Malaysia with ACMTAC services. TTR was calculated using the Rosendaal method from international normalised ratio (INR) data acquired across these centres. TTR ≥ 65% was defined as good control of anticoagulation therapy. Ethical approval was granted by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee, Ministry of Health Malaysia (Reference no: NMRR‐ 21‐779‐59275) and the study conforms with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results

The mean age (±standard deviation [SD]) of the 1464 included patients was 60.3 (±13.1) years, and 732 (50.0%) were male. Atrial fibrillation (65.7%) and valve replacement (23.1%) were the main indications for warfarin therapy. From 2019 to 2021, the annual mean TTR (±SD) were 63.1% (±24.5%), 64.0% (±25.0%), and 64.1% (±26.3)% respectively. For three consecutive years, more than 49% of patients achieved good control of anticoagulation therapy. Among the 49 centres, over 24 (49.0%) achieved a mean TTR of ≥65%, and the mean TTR varied significantly between centres (p < 0.001). The occurrence of bleeding and thromboembolic events was 227 (15.5%) and 15 (1.0%) respectively.

Conclusion

In Malaysia, the anticoagulation control of warfarin under ACMTAC management is moderate, with about half of patients demonstrating good control levels. Over a 3‐year observation period, there was variation in TTR among the centres.
A Protocol for Determination of Proteinogenic Amino Acids in Biological Fluids by the High‐Speed UHPLC‐MS Method: Application on Transgenic Spontaneously Hypertensive Rat‐24 Plasma and Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples
Authors: Piestansky Juraj , Olesova Dominika , Majerova Petra , Chalova Petra , Kovac Andrej
Published: February 2025

Recently, proteinogenic amino acids have become very interesting molecules, accompanied by a large variety of metabolic processes in humans and are associated with various diseases. In the era of system biology, including a broad spectrum of associated disciplines (e.g., metabolomics, lipidomics, proteomics, etc.), the possibility of identifying trustworthy biomarkers of diseases becomes much more likely. Changes in amino acid levels in plasma, serum, or cerebrospinal fluid reflect physiological or pathological conditions and, therefore, their regular monitoring can lead to early detection of the occurrence of a disease. Therefore, the exact determination of amino acids in biological fluids is of great importance. However, it is necessary to dispose with an effective, accurate, precise, selective, and robust analytical method. This protocol describes the complex procedure of amino acid analysis based on a combination of UHPLC with single quadrupole MS. The protocol presents a highly reproducible and robust methodology that has already been established in the quality control of biopharmaceuticals and determination of proteinogenic amino acids in urine in our laboratory. Here, the application potential is extended to the most frequently investigated biological fluid, that is, plasma and to the cerebrospinal fluid, which is investigated in many neurological conditions.
Knee malalignment and laterality influence 2‐year meniscus tear repair outcomes: A pilot study
Authors: Tschopp Benjamin , Omoumi Patrick , Nyland John , Chaouch Aziz , Schneebeli Valentine , Jakob Roland , Martin Robin
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To analyse biomechanical determinants for radiological and clinical outcomes of posterior horn longitudinal vertical meniscal tear (LVMT) repairs.

Methods

Patients undergoing primary repair of vascular zone traumatic full‐thickness posterior horn LVMT were enroled. We hypothesized four potential factors would influence mid‐term outcomes: malalignment (varus/valgus ≥5° for medial/lateral tears), meniscal laterality (medial vs. lateral), concomitant anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) and cartilage damage (Outerbridge grade ≥ II). The primary outcome was posterior horn nonhealing rate 6 months postoperatively (T1), evaluated using computed tomography arthrography (CTA) and Henning's criteria. Secondary outcomes were patient‐reported outcomes measures (PROMs) assessed at T1 and ≥24 months postoperatively (T2). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models estimated the marginal relative risk (MRR) of nonhealing for each determinant, while fractional logit regression assessed determinants' impact on PROMs at T1 and T2.

Results

Seventy‐eight patients (median age 29 years, interquartile range [IQR]: [21–37]); 76% male), were followed for ≥2 years (median 2.5 years, IQR: [2.1–3.6]). LVMTs extended to the middle horn in 81% and to the anterior horn in 52%. Posterior horn nonhealing rates (53%) were higher than in the middle (35%, p = 0.013) and anterior horn (7%, p < 0.001). Malalignment was present in 14%, medial meniscal involvement in 77%, ACLR in 55% and cartilage damage in 37%. Malalignment (MRR = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): [0.84, 2.09]) and medial laterality (MRR = 1.7, 95% CI: [0.93, 3.6]) were independently identified as potential nonhealing risk factors. But it is the combination of varus malalignment and medial laterality that significantly increased the risk of nonhealing (MRR = 2.54, 95% CI: [1.09, 6.01], p = 0.033) and negatively impacted all Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) subscales and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score at T1 and/or T2.

Conclusion

Combined varus malalignment and medial meniscus involvement strongly predicted repair nonhealing and poorer outcomes after posterior horn LVMT repair.

Study Design

Prospective cohort pilot study.

Level of Evidence

Level III.
Adjusted ∆NBR Index Thresholds for Forest Fire Severity Mapping: A Study in Central Amazonia
Authors: Pacheco Ramos Camila Julia , Graça Paulo Maurício Lima de Alencastro , Fearnside Philip Martin
Published: February 2025

The 2006 study of fire severity in coniferous forest by Key and Benson derived threshold values of the Delta Normalized Burn Ratio (∆NBR) for interpreting satellite imagery of fire scars, and ∆NBR has been widely used for forest fire severity worldwide. We hypothesized that these thresholds underestimate the severity of fires of tropical forests. Our goal was to find appropriate thresholds to map fire severities in the central Amazon and evaluate trends in recent years. These forests are increasingly threatened by deforestation, severe droughts and wildfires. We adjusted the ∆NBR decision thresholds using new methods that are relatively fast and cheap, with a combination of field data, hemispherical photographs of the opening of the forest canopy with different fire severities, and the use of Landsat data for fires that occurred in 2015 images. The agreement between the classification of severity in the field and the classification by the adjusted ∆NBR thresholds was satisfactory (overall accuracy = 74.2%; Kappa coefficient = 0.635). Using the Key & Benson thresholds resulted in a Kappa value of only 0.184, and the severity classification would be underestimated. We applied the new threshold values to map forest fire severity in the central Amazon from 1995 to 2017. The year 2015 had the greatest area of fire, of which 60.7% was classified as moderate, 19% as high, and 20% as low severity. The results corroborate the importance of adjusting decision thresholds for each study area to classify fire severity using ∆NBR.
A comprehensive analysis of MRI‐related Cochlear implant adverse events reported by FDA's manufacturer and user facility device experience database
Authors: Lin Amy , Menta Arjun K. , Ahmad Syed Ameen , Zhang Aileen , Perdomo Dianela , Reddy Ashwin , Ward Bryan K.
Published: February 2025

Objective

Identify MRI‐related cochlear implant (CI) adverse events from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database and determine whether devices with diametric magnets are associated with reduced adverse events.

Methods

Data on MRI‐related adverse events were collected from the MAUDE database for reports filed between 01/01/2013 and 01/29/2023. Outcomes and interventions were manually extracted. Device problems, electrode designs, and correlated patient problems were grouped and analyzed using R.

Results

All CI complications were derived from three manufacturers: Cochlear Limited, Advanced Bionics, and MED‐EL. MRI‐related CI complications occurred in 668 of 32,446 reports (2.1%). MRI‐related CI complications increased from 32 reports (4.8%) in 2013 to a peak of 142 reports (21.3%) in 2019 and decreased to 56 reports (8.4%) in 2022. The most common MRI‐related device problems were dislodgment/dislocation (39.9%, n = 266) or migration/expulsion (33.4%, n = 223). The most frequently identified patient problems identified were pain (31.6%, n = 211), hearing impairment (4.9%, n = 33), unspecified medical problems (3.7%, n = 25), implant failure (3.0%, n = 20), and injury (1.5%, n = 10). Of these, 358 reports (53.6%) contained the date of device manufacture. The median MDR per year decreased from 11 in the 3 years before each manufacturer released their MRI‐conditional CI to 0 in the 3 years following the release (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

The introduction of MRI‐conditional CIs has successfully reduced MRI‐associated adverse events. There have been no reported cases of MRI‐related CI complications for devices containing the new MRI‐conditional magnets for each of the three major US manufacturers.

Level of evidence

N/A
Development of a Clinical Prediction Model to Predict Malignant Transformation of Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma Based on Hematological Indices and Clinical Features
Authors: Sun Kai , Wu Ce , Zhang Zengxiao , Chen Jiahong , Yan Xudong , Li Shunke , Wang Lin , Yu Longgang , Jiang Yan
Published: February 2025

Objective

Sinonasal inverted papilloma (SNIP) has a risk of malignant transformation into SNIP with squamous cell carcinoma (SNIP‐SCC). Early detection of SNIP‐SCC is crucial for patient outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the utility of tumor‐related hematological indices in the early diagnosis of SNIP‐SCC and to develop a nomogram incorporating imaging and clinical features.

Methods

This study included 159 patients with SNIP with (n = 34) or without (n = 125) SCC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify independent risk factors and develop nomogram. The diagnostic model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristics (ROC), standard, clinical decision, and clinical impact curves.

Results

Elevated serum cytokeratin fragment antigen 21‐1 (CYFRA 21‐1), the loss of convoluted cerebriform pattern, bone destruction, headache/facial pain, and epistaxis/blood‐tinged mucus were identified as independent risk factors for SNIP‐SCC. The optimal cut‐off value for serum CYFRA 21‐1 was 3.51 ng/mL, with the nomogram area under the ROC curve of 0.966 based on the above indicators.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that CYFRA 21‐1 is a promising diagnostic marker for SNIP‐SCC. The nomogram incorporating serum CYFRA 21‐1, imaging features, and clinical factors demonstrates strong clinical utility and can be a reference tool for clinical decision‐making.
Lake chlorophyll responses to drought are related to lake type, connectivity, and ecological context across the conterminous United States
Authors: Sun Xinyu , Cheruvelil Kendra S. , Hanly Patrick J. , Soranno Patricia A.
Published: February 2025

Local and regional‐scaled studies point to the important role of lake type (natural lakes vs. reservoirs), surface water connectivity, and ecological context (multi‐scaled natural settings and human factors) in mediating lake responses to disturbances like drought. However, we lack an understanding at the macroscale that incorporates multiple scales (lake, watershed, region) and a variety of ecological contexts. Therefore, we used data from the LAGOS‐US research platform and applied a local water year timeframe to 62,927 US natural lakes and reservoirs across 17 ecoregions to examine how chlorophyll a responds to drought across various ecological contexts. We evaluated chlorophyll a changes relative to each lake's baseline and drought year. Drought led to lower and higher chlorophyll a in 18% and 20%, respectively, of lakes (both natural lakes and reservoirs included). Natural lakes had higher magnitudes of change and probabilities of increasing chlorophyll a during droughts than reservoirs, and these differences were particularly pronounced in isolated and highly‐connected lakes. Drought responses were also related to long‐term average lake chlorophyll a in complex ways, with a positive correlation in less productive lakes and a negative correlation in more productive lakes, and more pronounced drought responses in higher‐productivity lakes than lower‐productivity lakes. Thus, lake chlorophyll responses to drought are related to interactions between lake type and surface connectivity, long‐term average chlorophyll a, and many other multi‐scaled ecological factors (e.g., soil erodibility, minimum air temperature). These results reinforce the importance of integrating multi‐scaled ecological context to determine and predict the impacts of global changes on lakes.
Bright Heralded Single‐Photon Source Saturating Theoretical Single‐photon Purity
Authors: Wang Haoyang , Yuan Huihong , Zeng Qiang , Zhou Lai , Ma Haiqiang , Yuan Zhiliang
Published: February 2025

Single‐photon source is the cornerstone for modern quantum information processing. The present work derives the theoretical limit of single‐photon purity for general parametric heralded single‐photon sources, and subsequently demonstrates a bright, gigahertz‐pulsed heralded source with the purity saturating the limit. By stimulating spontaneous four‐wave mixing effect in the silicon spiral waveguide, this on‐chip source is measured to have a coincidence rate exceeding 1.5 MHz at a coincidence‐to‐accidental ratio (CAR) of 16.77 in the photon pair correlation experiment. The single‐photon purity of this source, quantified by the heralded auto‐correlation function , is measured by a heralded Hanbury Brown–Twiss setup to reach the theoretical limit with the lowest value of obtained at a coincidence rate of 0.8 kHz and a CAR of 2220. The performance improvements are attributed to effective spectral filtering suppressing the noise as well as the coherent pump condition helped by optical injection locking. The reported results provide a reliable standard for benchmarking heralded single‐photon sources and present a state‐of‐the‐art heralded source for quantum information processing.
Approximation of skew Brownian motion by snapping‐out Brownian motions
Authors: Bobrowski Adam , Ratajczyk Elżbieta
Published: February 2025

We elaborate on the theorem saying that as permeability coefficients of snapping‐out Brownian motions tend to infinity in such a way that their ratio remains constant, these processes converge to a skew Brownian motion. In particular, convergence of the related semigroups, cosine families, and projections is discussed.
Synthesis of FeSiAl/SrFe12O19 soft magnetic composite materials with low magnetic loss
Authors: Su L. , Wang P. , Yu C. Y. , Tao L. P. , Shu S. Z.
Published: February 2025

FeSiAl/SrFe12O19 soft magnetic composite material was prepared by mechanically crushing FeSiAl powder and M‐type permanent magnet hexagonal ferrite powder according to a certain quality. Their structures, morphologies, and magnetic properties were studied using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), SQUID, and B−H analyzers. Compared to organic and other inorganic composite materials, SrFe12O19 has a higher thermal decomposition temperature. The x‐ray diffraction pattern indicates that SrFe12O19 phase was detected in the sample. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) images show that powdered SrFe12O19 is dispersed on the surfaces and gaps of particles of different sizes. The magnetic analysis results indicate that although SrFe12O19 increases the hysteresis loss of the material, its good insulation reduces eddy current loss. When the content of SrFe12O19 is 2 wt.‐%, the magnetic loss is the lowest. The lower magnetic loss and higher thermal decomposition temperature of this composite material make it have a wider range of application prospects.
Hardness enhancement of commercially pure aluminium by a typical cyclic heat treatment process involving repeated ice‐brine quenching
Authors: Maity J. , Bansfore A. S. , Pal A. , Hazra B. , Roy L. , Mahato D. , Shav A. B.
Published: February 2025

A typical cyclic heat treatment process has been adopted up to four cycles on initially annealed commercially pure aluminium, primarily containing iron impurity, that involves short‐duration (5 minutes) holding at 600 °C followed by ice‐brine quenching in each cycle. As a consequence, a significant grain refinement effect and a gradual accumulation of lattice strain during the progress of cyclic heat treatment are observed in relation to an evolution of the regions of extremely low misorientation angle in the aluminium matrix. Apart from quench‐in strain, the presence of grain boundary iron aluminide phase, possessing a different coefficient of thermal expansion than that of aluminium matrix, appears to be an additional reason for gradual lattice strain development. In addition, a preferred growth of (202) plane along [101] direction towards the final stage of cyclic heat treatment (four cycles) is also revealed. As a result of gradual lattice strain accumulation and grain refinement effects, the hardness of commercially pure aluminium is found to be considerably enhanced (98 HV 10) after 4 cycles of heat treatment as compared to an initial hardness (36 HV 10) in annealed condition.
Gl‐QFOM and Gl‐QGMRES: Two Efficient Algorithms for Quaternion Linear Systems With Multiple Right‐Hand Sides
Authors: Li Tao , Wang Qing‐Wen , Zhang Xin‐Fang
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we propose the global quaternion full orthogonalization (Gl‐QFOM) and global quaternion generalized minimum residual (Gl‐QGMRES) methods, which are built upon global orthogonal and oblique projections onto a quaternion matrix Krylov subspace for solving quaternion linear systems with multiple right‐hand sides. We first develop the global quaternion Arnoldi procedure to preserve the quaternion Hessenberg form during the iterations. We then establish the convergence analysis of the proposed methods and show how to apply them to solve the Sylvester quaternion matrix equation. Numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of our methods compared with the traditional Gl‐FOM and Gl‐GMRES iterations for the real representations of the original linear systems.
The Healthcare Integrated Research Database (HIRD) as a Real‐World Data Source for Pharmacoepidemiologic Research
Authors: Barron John J. , Willey Vincent J. , Doherty Brett T. , Tunceli Ozgur , Waltz Craig R. , Grabner Michael , Beachler Daniel C. , Lanes Stephan , Cziraky Mark J.
Published: February 2025

Background and Methods

The Healthcare Integrated Research Database (HIRD) is a large, comprehensive real‐world data (RWD) source for health‐related research. Demographic and healthcare‐related characteristics of individuals are sourced from routinely updated RWD. The HIRD includes health insurance claims and other health‐related information for individuals enrolled in health insurance plans offered or managed by Elevance Health and has been utilized for research for almost two decades. Individuals in the HIRD reside throughout the United States. Data in the HIRD have been available since January 2006, and are updated monthly.

Results

As of July 2024, the researchable population of the HIRD included over 91 million individuals with medical benefits, and over 24 million individuals were actively enrolled. The median age of individuals in the HIRD is 36 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 22, 54), and 50% of individuals in the HIRD are female. The median duration of continuous enrollment in the HIRD is 2.0 years (IQR: 0.8, 4.7). For those actively enrolled, the median duration of continuous enrollment is 3.8 years (IQR: 1.7, 8.3). Other important characteristics of the HIRD include the ability to trace data back to their source, support both deterministic and probabilistic linkage with external data sources, and link family members within health plans.

Conclusions

The HIRD has been a trusted resource to generate real‐world evidence for a variety of health‐related research, including regulatory‐required safety studies, comparative effectiveness studies, and health economics and outcomes research.
Etiological factors and clinical outcomes in extracapsular and intracapsular hip fractures among older adults: A gender‐specific analysis
Authors: Lisk Radcliffe , Yeong Keefai , Fluck David , Robin Jonathan , Fry Christopher H. , Han Thang S.
Published: February 2025

Background

Compared to patients with intracapsular fractures (ICFs), those with extracapsular fractures (ECFs) had worse outcomes. However, most studies of risk factors for these fractures lacked relevant potential reasons, particularly nutritional status, and adjustment for confounding factors. Furthermore, less is known about their effects on clinical outcomes.

Objective

To conduct a gender‐specific analysis of community‐dwelling individuals admitted with hip fractures to examine the association of clinical risk factors and health care measures.

Design

Monocentric cross‐sectional study.

Setting

Orthopedic trauma department.

Participants

A total of 787 women and 318 men of similar mean age (±SD): 83.1 years (±8.6) and 82.5 years (±9.0), respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

Multivariable logistic regression analyzed risk factors including age, gender, dementia, stroke, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, prefracture mobility, alcohol consumption, American Society of Anesthesiologists grades, drug history, and nutrition status for assessing risk factors and outcomes associated with ECFs and ICFs.

Results

Compared to ICFs, for each additional year of age, women had a 3% and men 4% greater association with ECFs. Among women only, ECFs were associated with risk of malnutrition: odds ratio [OR] = 1.70 (95% CI, 1.17–2.48) or malnourishment: OR = 1.93 (95% CI, 1.06–3.52), stroke: OR = 1.85 (95% CI, 1.16–2.97), and diabetes: OR = 1.92 (95% CI, 1.21–3.06). Women with ECFs were less likely to be discharged to their own homes: OR = 0.56 (95% CI, 0.38–0.83); but more likely to be discharged to a rehabilitation unit: OR = 1.81 (95% CI, 1.21–2.71) and readmitted to hospital within 30 days of discharge ≥1 time: OR: 2.39 (95% CI, 1.27–4.50) or ≥2 times: OR = 3.48 (95% CI, 1.05–11.57): they did not differ in discharge to residential or nursing care or in‐hospital mortality. Among men, there were no differences in discharge destinations or readmissions between types of fractures.

Conclusions

Compared to ICFs, a greater number of risk factors associated with ECFs were identified more often in women than in men, and ECFs also have greater influences on clinical outcomes in women.